International   

U.S. to “deepen and broaden” ties with China: Hillary

BEIJING: China and United States on Saturday agreed to work more closely in dealing with the global financial crisis, climate change, energy, environment and other issues of common concern.

The agreement came out of the talks between Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Saturday morning which marked the first face-to-face diplomacy between the two countries after the Obama administration took office last month.

“During the talks, both sides reached a principled agreement on establishing a strategic and economic dialogue mechanism. Detailed arrangements will be worked out later,” said a statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry. “As we start the new administration of President Obama, we want to deepen and broaden our relationship,” said Ms. Clinton.

She arrived in Beijing on Friday — the last stop in a week-long inaugural overseas trip as America’s top diplomat.

Ms. Clinton said both countries had established “a solid foundation” for the relationship, citing bilateral cooperation in economy, trade, climate change, regional and international issues.

“But there is much more to be done,” said Ms. Clinton, adding the new U.S. administration would like to work more closely with China

On the Taiwan issue, Mr. Yang urged the United States to scrupulously abide by the “one-China” policy. Later, Ms. Clinton met Chinese President Hu Jintao. Mr. Hu appreciated Ms. Clinton for her inaugural visit to China and other parts of Asia since taking office, saying this reflected the importance the new U.S. administration put on developing relations with China and other Asian countries. Ms. Clinton conveyed President Obama’s personal greetings to President Hu, saying Mr. Obama enjoyed earlier conversations with Mr. Hu and looked forward to meeting him at the G20 summit in London.

At their meeting, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton cited several Chinese proverbs in their discussions of bilateral relations.

Stressing the need for China and the U.S. to cooperate Mr. Wen said: “As the world is faced with the grim impact of the financial crisis, I very much appreciate a [Chinese] proverb you quoted that all countries should cross the river peacefully as they are in a common boat”. The proverb is from The Art of War by Sun Tzi, an ancient Chinese military strategist.

Ms. Clinton replies: “I quoted another Chinese proverb that ‘you should dig a well before you are thirsty’”, referring to the need for that the two countries to work together to address global challenges. — Xinhua

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Aircraft were on suicide mission: LTTE
U.S. to “deepen and broaden” ties with China: Hillary
Iran not producing weapon-grade uranium: IAEA
Sevastopol: the Hero City turns 225

Copyright © 2009, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu