Obama urges closer US-China ties

They are two countries that don’t always see eye to eye.

But, in Washington, high-level talks between the United States and China have begun with the White House urging deeper economic cooperation.

President Barack Obama said the relationship between Washington and Beijing would shape the 21st century.

“My confidence is rooted in the fact that the United States and China share mutual interests,” Obama said. “If we advance those interests through cooperation, our people will benefit and the world will be better off because our ability to partner with each other is a prerequisite for progress on many of the most pressing global challenges.”

His Secretary of State Hillary Clinton visited China in February. Then, as now, the economic crisis, climate change and the nuclear programmes of North Korea and Iran are key issues.

Another thorny topic was not forgotten as talks started today – President Obama acknowledged differences with Beijing on human rights.

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tags: China, Politics, USA