The officials, who met in Washington, "had candid and substantive discussions on issues relating to the US-China commercial relationship," the US Department of Commerce said in a statement.

Qin Gang's visit to Pakistan will focus on discussing the China-Pakistan projects and develop a roadmap for further progress.

Ya Ya was loaned two decades ago as part of an informal diplomacy program

Footage of the meeting posted by the Kremlin showed Putin shaking hands with Li and then sitting down at a table. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu was also present.

Qin's comments at a regional summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan come after a decision by the conservative Taliban authorities to bar women from working for the United Nations sparked international outrage.

The French President visits China, calls for diplomacy and addresses youth on the importance of technology for a better future.

Beijing announced three-days of military exercises around Taiwan on Saturday, calling them a "stern warning" to the self-ruled island's government after Tsai met with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles earlier this week.

The French president, who arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for a three-day state visit, has made clear he is seeking to dissuade China from supporting Russia's invasion of its neighbour.

Tsai Ing-wen, the president of Taiwan, arrived in New York amid criticism from China, which threatened the US with dire consequences.

Premier Li Qiang asserted that China had contributed to international peace by acting "responsibly" in its capacity as a powerful country.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has been invited to visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Beijing vowed to take countermeasures should the Taiwanese leader meet with the US House speaker