China's Xi Jinping congratulates Biden on election win

Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent a message to Joe Biden to congratulate him on election as US president.

Two weeks ago, China, through its foreign ministry spokesman, congratulated  Biden on his then projected win, breaking a frosty period of silence.

"We respect the choice of the American people. We extend congratulations to Mr Biden and Ms Harris," a foreign ministry spokesman said then.

The China-US relationship is crucial to both sides, and the wider world. Tensions have soared in recent times, over trade, espionage and the pandemic.

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