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What strained ties? It's all smiles as Obama meets China' Xi

November 12, 2014 10:00 IST

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday held formal talks with his US counterpart Barack Obama, a day after the two leaders pledged to push forward a new type of major-country relations between the world’s two largest economies.

China's President Xi Jinping walks with US President Barack Obama as they inspect the honour guards during a welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Photograph: Petar Kujundzic/Reuters
 

Before their talks, Xi held a red-carpet ceremony to welcome Obama, who arrived in Beijing on Monday to attend the 22nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ meeting.

On Tuesday evening, the two heads of state held a meeting at the Zhongnanhai leadership compound in central Beijing after the APEC meet.

US President Barack Obama and China's President Xi Jinping wave to students at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Photograph: Petar Kujundzic/Reuters
 

Recalling their past meetings, Xi said he is glad to see that both sides have achieved considerable early harvest on their drive to build a new type of major-country relationship due to the joint efforts from both sides.

China and the United States have gained more understanding and are holding higher expectations over the concept of such a relationship, he said.

Xi said the two leaders should maintain regular and close communications and exchange candid and in-depth views on fundamental issues.

For his part, Obama noted that the US and China boast of the world's two largest economies and of two energetic and innovative peoples. Strengthening cooperation between the two countries, which have seen their interests highly integrated, could

benefit people in both countries and the world at large, Obama said.

KJM Varma
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