Beijing hopes switch of top US diplomat doesn't affect ties

Beijing said on Wednesday it hopes the reshuffling of chief US diplomats will not affect the development of relations and important areas of cooperation.

United States President Donald Trump fired Rex Tillerson on Tuesday, saying his replacement would be CIA Director Mike Pompeo. The nominee is awaiting confirmation by the Senate.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said in a daily news conference that Tillerson remained in close contact with China as secretary of state, and China appreciates his efforts to promote the development of the Sino-US ties.