Xi says China open to foreign media, eyeing closer co-op with US

President Xi Jinping meets with Rupert Murdoch, executive chairman of News Corp. at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Sept 18, 2015.[Photo/Xinhua]

BEIJING - President Xi Jinping on Friday said China will continue to be open to foreign media and he looks forward to more cooperation and understanding between China and the United States.

"[We] welcome foreign media and correspondents to cover China stories, introducing China's development to the world, and helping the world grasp the opportunities [afforded by] China's development," Xi said as he met with Rupert Murdoch, executive chairman of News Corp. at the Great Hall of the People.

Xi told Murdoch that the purpose of his upcoming visit to the United States is to boost practical cooperation and cement friendship between the two nations to better benefit the Chinese and US people and the people of the whole world.

At the invitation of US President Barack Obama, Xi will pay a state visit to the United States from Sept. 22 to 25.

"Common interests outweigh the differences between China and the United States," Xi said.

It is in the common interests of the Chinese and US people to build a new model of major country relationship featuring no-conflict and no-confrontation, mutual respect, and win-win cooperation, said the president.

For his part, Murdoch said media in the United States and the world at large are paying great attention to Xi's upcoming visit.

The Wall Street Journal and other branches of News Corp. will fully cover the US visit, Murdoch said.

Hailing the importance of the US-China relationship, the media tycoon said News Corp. will work to foster mutual understanding and boost cooperation between the two nations.