China is willing to work with the United States to promote communication on all ​levels, while upholding its “red lines” and principles, Lou ‌Qinjian, a spokesperson for its parliament, said on Wednesday.

The National People’s Congress opens its annual session on Thursday, where it will unveil ​this year’s economic targets and policy priorities.

The meeting comes ​at a sensitive moment for China-US relations, as ⁠both sides look to stabilise ties ahead of an expected ​summit of leaders Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in Beijing ​at the end of March.

China and the United States should respect each other and coexist peacefully, Lou said.

Read: Trump, Xi discuss Taiwan and soybeans in call aimed at easing China, US relations

“China has its own principles and ​red lines, and as always, will resolutely defend its ​sovereignty, security and development interests,” he told a press conference.

Diplomacy between heads ‌of ⁠state has an “irreplaceable strategic role” in guiding the two countries’ ties, Lou added, urging them to “expand the list of cooperation (areas) while reducing the list of problems”.

He called on the ​US Congress to ​view China “objectively” ⁠and do more to benefit ties.

A White House official has confirmed Trump will travel to ​China from March 31 to April 2, although ​Beijing ⁠has made no official announcement.

Top trade negotiators of both sides are expected to meet in Paris next week to discuss potential ⁠business ​deals linked to the highly anticipated ​meeting, Bloomberg News said on Tuesday.