Following a clear warning by U.S. President Joe Biden’s nominee for Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) over China’s growing power, Beijing has urged the U.S. to reboot relations.

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Zhao Lijian, made the call on Thursday while responding to statements made the previous day by the incoming CIA chief William Burns.

Lijian said the previous U.S. administration had taken “repressive measures” over the past years, which had caused “inestimable damage” to the U.S.-China relations.

“Differences should be managed and bilateral relations should be put back on the right track of stability and development,” the spokesperson said.

Burns had told the Senate Intelligence Committee during his confirmation hearing on Wednesday that China was presenting the U.S. with its “biggest geopolitical test.”

“Out-competing the People’s Republic would be crucial for U.S. national security in the decades ahead,” Burns said.