China, US vow to advance partnership
- Source: Global Times
- [02:28 November 18 2009]
- Comments
Chinese President Hu Jintao holds a welcome ceremony for visiting US President Barack Obama at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Tuesday. Photo: Xinhua
China and the United States on Tuesday reached more common ground on major global issues but did not appear to shy away from differing views.
A pledge to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation was highlighted in a joint statement issued after a "tone-setting" meeting in Beijing between Chinese President Hu Jintao and his US counterpart, Barack Obama. It was the third summit between them during Obama's first year in office.
A long list of agreements, embedded in the documentation, covered a broad range of global crises such as economic recovery, climate change, nuclear non-proliferation and counter-terrorism.
"This statement has an unprecedented wide coverage of global issues. The bilateral relationship now boasts an international vision and sheds light on global strategic interests, as it will have an impact on almost each and every crucial aspect of the international community," said Wang Yizhou, a professor of international relations at Peking University.
Both sides conveyed a message that bilateral relations had been lifted to new heights, Wang said.
"The tone-setting meeting was aimed at setting up comprehensive strategic principles for the bilateral relationship," Wang said. "Both sides will have to dis-cuss implementation of the outcomes."
Beijing and Washington are committed to building a positive, cooperative and comprehensive relationship for the 21st century, and will take concrete actions to steadily build a partnership to address common challenges, the statement said.
