Trump, Xi establish 'mutual respect'

President-elect Donald Trump and his Chinese couterpart Xi Jinping have chatted over the phone, Trump's transition office says.

Following the election of Donald Trump, China says it wants to improve relations with the US. (AAP)

US President-elect Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping established a "clear sense of mutual respect" in a telephone call on Sunday night, Trump's presidential transition office says.

In a statement, the office says Trump thanked Xi for his congratulations after winning Tuesday's presidential election over Democrat Hillary Clinton.

"During the call, the leaders established a clear sense of mutual respect for one another, and President-elect Trump stated that he believes the two leaders will have one of the strongest relationships for both countries moving forward," it said.

Earlier, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said China was ready to improve relations with the US following Trump's election.