MNI POLICY: Deputy Foreign Minister Ready Speak to US

China's Deputy Foreign Minister Le Yucheng said he's ready to speak to his U.S. counterpart at any time to break "radio silence" between two countries diplomatic departments, according to an interview transcript published by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"The next few months are very critical. We must maintain our concentration and not be swayed by various extreme forces," Le said in an interview with Observer Network on Wednesday.

His comment hinted that the Trump administration may further escalate pressure on China during the run-up to the U.S. general election in November, MNI noted.

"The two should firmly grasp the correct direction of the relationship ensuring that it does not lose control and that the two won't decouple," Le added.

China is determined to maintain multilateralism and willing to maintain contacts with the U.S. on issues including controlling the pandemic, climate change, North Korea and Afghanistan.

"The Cold War in a New World" approach is not an option in a world where countries are against conflicts based on ideological opposition, Le said.