BEIJING - China on Thursday confirmed that it has received a letter to President Xi Jinping, sent by US President Donald Trump, who extended his greetings ahead of the Lantern Festival.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang made the remarks at a daily press briefing, responding to reports that Trump on Feb 8 sent a letter to President Xi, wishing Xi and the Chinese people a happy Lantern Festival and saying that he looked forward to working with China to develop a constructive relationship.

"China attaches great importance to developing the relationship with the United States," said Lu.

China is ready to work with the US side to expand cooperation and manage any differences guided by the principles of upholding non-conflict and non-confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation, so that bilateral ties develop in a healthy and stable way, said Lu.

Lu added, just as President Xi has said, China and the United States both had a responsibility to safeguard world peace and stability, and promote global development and prosperity.

"Cooperation is the only right choice for China and the United States,"said Lu.

Lantern Festival, which falls on Feb 11 this year, is held to mark the first full moon of the new lunar year. It falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month. Chinese people consider it to be one of the country's most important holidays.