Xi says China willing to be a friend with the US

Xi pointed out that China-US relations are among the most important bilateral relations in the world, which have a bearing on the future and destiny of mankind, according to the letter.

US-China trade relations have soured over issues such as semiconductors. (EPA PHOTO)

The two countries have been at odds over national security concerns, ongoing trade spats as well as China's actions in the South China Sea and intensified military drills around Taiwan.

Trade relations soured over the past year and have centred around issues including restrictions on electric vehicles and advanced semiconductors.

"China has always handled China-US relations in accordance with the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win co-operation, and has always believed that the success of China and the United States is an opportunity for each other," Xi said.