diplomatic code

Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns said the talks were “very frank” — diplomatic code for contentious and that they were “a step forward for the United States” in what he called “a very difficult and very challenging relationship.”

“And that transformed 180 degrees to what in W.H.O.-U.N. diplomatic code is a very harsh public rebuke of China, and repeatedly so,” he said.

“Candid” is often diplomatic code for a harsh verbal exchange.

Russian officials said Mr. Putin and Mr. Niinisto had a “frank exchange of views” — diplomatic code for a blunt disagreement about the topics discussed.

The State Department briefly described Ms. Sherman‘s meeting with Mr. Wang as “a frank and open discussion” – normally diplomatic code for harsh exchanges.