US and China publicly clash at first in-person talks since Biden's election could help new US administration to counter Trump nationalist slogans.

“We expected to have tough and direct talks on a wide range of issues, and that’s exactly what we had,” White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters.

Members of China’s delegation left the hotel without speaking to reporters. Yang Jiechi China’s top diplomat later told China’s CGTN that the discussions had been constructive and beneficial, “but of course, there are still differences.”

“China will firmly safeguard national sovereignty, security and development,” Yang said.