Visiting Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping has asked United States to honour its commitment of 'One-China' policy on Taiwan and oppose Tibetan independence.
"We hope that the US will truly honour its commitment on recognising Tibet as part of China and opposing Tibet independence and will handle Tibet-related issues in a prudent and proper manner," Xi said in a luncheon co-hosted by the US-China Business Council and the National Committee on US-China relations.
Xi's remarks came as a large number of Tibetan Americans have been protesting outside the White House and other parts of the city against his visit, demanding freedom from China.
The peaceful demonstration organised by Tibetan youths is in contrast to the view point of the Dalai Lama, who seeks autonomy for Tibet and considers Tibet as part of China.
Whereas these youths argue that they want freedom from China.
The White House on Wednesday confirmed that the issue of Tibet was raised by it when Xi met President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden on Tuesday.
In his remarks, Xi hoped that the US will honour its commitment on Taiwan too.
"We hope that the US will adhere to the three Sino-US joint communiques and the One-China Policy, oppose Taiwan independence and support the peaceful development of relations across the Taiwan Straits with concrete actions," he said.
"Given the differences in current national conditions and in historical and cultural backgrounds between China and the United States, it is only natural that we have some differences on the issue of human rights," Xi said.
"The history of mankind shows that the cause of human rights has been a process of continuous improvement. China and the United States should continue dialogue and exchanges to implement the consensus reached between our two presidents on respecting each other's development paths chosen in light of their national conditions and improve the cause of human rights in both countries," said Xi, who soon is expected to be the Chinese vice president.
Xi said as the interests of China and the United States converge more closely in the Asia-Pacific than in anywhere else, this region should naturally become an important area where China and the United States engage in positive interactions and pursue mutually beneficial cooperation.
"China welcomes a constructive role by the United States in promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific. At the same time, we hope the United States will respect the interests and concerns of China and other countries in this region," he said.
