China is not trying to “displace” the United States as a world superpower, the Communist regime’s top diplomat said while traveling in Washington, D.C., for a meeting that saw both sides downplay apparent strategic competition.

“China is firm in pursuing socialism with Chinese characteristics,” Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi told reporters at the State Department. “Everything that we do is to deliver better lives for the Chinese people, to realize rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. it is not intended to challenge or displace anyone.”