China and the United States should overcome their difficulties and foster positive energy to develop ties, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said Thursday while meeting former US president Jimmy Carter in Beijing.

It is the second time Xi has met foreign dignitaries since he was elected last month.

During the 30-minute meeting, Xi said China and the US should strive to develop a mutual-respect and win-win cooperative partnership.

The two countries should defy hardships, adhere to the pioneering spirit of being innovative and accumulate positive energy in developing their ties under the new climate, Xi said.

It is the first time Xi met a senior US politician since China held its Party congress and the US presidential election in November.