China's newly appointed ambassador in Washington stressed the utmost importance of Taiwan in the Sino-US relationship during his first meeting with a top US official since assuming the job, according to Chinese state media.

Qin Gang, 55, who has earned a reputation for pointed public defences of his country's positions, struck an optimistic tone as he arrived in Washington in late July to take up his post, saying great potential awaited bilateral relations.

Meeting US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, Qin said...