President Barack Obama wishes Chinese success

  • By MATTHEW PENNINGTON

  • Posted: Wednesday, February 15, 2012 7:00 a.m.
  • Text size: A A A


WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama assured Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping on Tuesday that the United States welcomes Beijing's rise in the world, offering a warm welcome despite sharp policy differences over Syria, Iran and economic issues.


But the U.S. reiterated longstanding concerns over human rights, which Obama described as a "critical issue."


Xi, who is expected to become China's leader in 2013, defended the communist-governed country's rights record over the past 30 years, but added: "Of course there's always room for improvement on human rights."


His comments, made at a State Department luncheon, were similar to those made by President Hu Jintao -- the man he is slated to replace as Communist Party leader this fall -- a year ago.


Xi's unusually long visit to the United States reflected the importance the Obama administration puts on building ties with Beijing. Both sides stressed the importance of stable relations between the two global powers.


"We believe that a strong and prosperous China is one that can help to bring stability and prosperity to the region and to the world," Obama said.


Obama said he looks forward to future cooperation.


A smiling Xi told Obama he wants to build on the past relationship between Obama and Hu and "deepen the friendship" between the people of the two countries.


Xi said that a greater part of his discussions with Obama and Vice President Joe Biden were on economic and trade issues. He said ensuring growth and promoting employment were high on the domestic agenda of both countries.

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