China says it is willing to work with U.S. to increase passenger flights

China is willing to work with the U.S. to increase passenger flights between the two countries in a flexible and pragmatic manner, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

The remarks were made by the ministry's spokesperson Mao Ning at a press briefing in Beijing.

Mao noted that departments responsible from both sides have maintained communication on the increase in passenger flights.

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Qin Gang and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reached a consensus during their meeting, as both sides agreed to encourage people-to-people, cultural and educational exchanges, discuss increasing passenger flights between the two countries, and welcome more students, scholars and business people to visit each other's countries, she said.

They will also provide relevant support and facilitation, Mao added.

Qin and Blinken met in Beijing on Sunday. Their talks lasted more than seven hours, which were hailed by both sides as "candid, substantive and constructive."