US/China relationship will shape century, says Obama
Barack Obama speaking in Washington
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By inthenews. |  |
Tuesday, 28, Jul 2009 10:23
By Sarah Garrod.
The course followed by relations between China and the United States will define the next 100 years, Barack Obama has said.
Two-day talks between the countries in Washington will finish today, with the US president saying they represented a "commitment to shape our young century through sustained cooperation, and not confrontation".
It is hoped the meeting of the two countries will see common ground reached on issues such as climate change, security and the economy. The US-China strategic and economic dialogue is expected to focus on working towards economic stability and recovery.
US officials also speaking include treasury secretary Timothy Geithner and secretary of state Hilary Clinton. China sent vice premier Wang Qishan and state councillor Dai Bingguo.
Mr Obama said: "We can't predict with certainty what the future will bring, but we can be certain about the issues that will define our times.
"And we also know this: The relationship between the United States and China will shape the 21st century, which makes it as important as any bilateral relationship in the world. That really must underpin our partnership. That is the responsibility that together we bear.
"I have no illusion that the United States and China will agree on every issue, nor choose to see the world in the same way."
Halting the spread of nuclear weapons in North Korea and Iran was also an important issue outlined by the president, who said: "Make no mistake; the more nations acquire these weapons, the more likely it is that they will be used."
However, the economy remained the most important and contentious issue of the meeting, with Mr Wang saying: "With the furthering of China's reform and opening up, China and the United States will have even closer economic cooperation and trade relations and (the) China-US relationship will surely keep moving forward."
Mr Obama added: "My confidence is rooted in the fact that the United States and China share mutual interests.
"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."