WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump sent a letter to China's President Xi Jinping on Wednesday saying he looked forward to working with him "to develop a constructive relationship" that benefits both countries, the White House said in a statement.

The letter also thanked Xi for his congratulatory note on Trump's inauguration and wished the Chinese people a prosperous Year of the Rooster, the statement said.

Trump and Xi have yet to speak directly since Trump took office on Jan 20, although they did talk soon after Trump won the US presidential election in November.

The Foreign Ministry in Beijing said last week the two countries were remaining "in close touch".