Cooperation is the only option for the United States and China, the world's two largest economies, despite their relations currently at odds, said a formal senior Chinese government official at a seminar on Sunday.

Wei Jianguo, vice-president of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, and a former vice-minister of commerce, said it is wrong to claim that the economic and trade relations between the two countries have become frozen, with the trade negotiations being a turning point, as some people believe.

Twists and turns in trade negotiations are common, and should not be exaggerated, he said.

He said economic frictions, conflicts and even trade friction between China and the US that draw global attention will happen from time to time in the future, which should be rationally regarded and prepared for.