Beijing, China - Sept 15, 2021 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
1. Various of press briefing in progress, reporters
2. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Zhao Lijian, spokesman, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (starting with shot 1/ending with shot 3):
"On the morning of September 10, President Xi Jinping had a phone call with President Joe Biden upon request. They had candid, in-depth and extensive strategic communication and exchanges on China-U.S. relations and issues of common concern. The two sides agreed that in-depth communication on China-US ties and major international issues between Chinese and US heads of state is very important for steering the correct development of the bilateral relationship. They also agreed to maintain regular communication through various ways."
3. Various of reporters at press briefing

FILE: Beijing, China - Date Unknown (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
4. Tian'anmen Rostrum
5. Chinese national flag
6. Tian'anmen Square
7. Chinese national emblem, flag on Great Hall of the People
8. Great Hall of the People, traffic

FILE: Washington D.C., USA - Date Unknown (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)
9. Various of White House, U.S. national flag

China and the United States agreed to maintain regular contact through various means for better development of Sino-U.S. relations, said foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian at a press briefing held in Beijing on Wednesday.

Zhao made the statement when asked to comment on a Financial Times report that says that President Biden proposed a summit with President Xi during their phone call. The Chinese leader reportedly refused the offer, adding that Washington should adopt a less strident tone toward Beijing.

Zhao said: "On the morning of September 10, President Xi Jinping had a phone call with President Joe Biden upon request. They had candid, in-depth and extensive strategic communication and exchanges on China-U.S. relations and issues of common concern. The two sides agreed that in-depth communication on China-US ties and major international issues between Chinese and US heads of state is very important for steering the correct development of the bilateral relationship. They also agreed to maintain regular communication through various ways."