WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- There is no zero-sum game between China and the United States, Cui Tiankai, Chinese ambassador to the United States, said at a Chinese New Year reception at the Chinese embassy here Thursday.

"Our fundamental attitude toward the development of China-U.S. relations is (of) mutual respect and win-win cooperation," Cui told a group of overseas Chinese nationals, students, and personnel of Chinese companies working in U.S. branches.

He said China-U.S. relations have remained stable on the whole and achieved progress since the new U.S. administration took office a year ago, citing the several meetings between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump, their phone conversations and exchange of letters in the past year.

Those interactions between the two leaders have set the direction for the development of bilateral ties, he said.

The ambassador also said there is no need to panic about China's rapid development. Beijing aims to build a community of shared destiny with an open, inclusive attitude while participating in global affairs to make a fresh and positive contribution to global peace and stability.

China neither intends to seek global dominance, nor wishes for hegemony, Cui stressed.

However, it will not be deterred by external pressure and give up its legitimate rights, the Chinese diplomat said.

"We'll always defend our core interests," he said.

Cui hoped the China-U.S. diplomatic relationship, which will mark its 40th anniversary next year, would be steadier, more mature, and achieve enduring and stable progress on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefits.