Hilary Clinton's 40-hour visit to China was the first face-to-face communication between senior officials of the two countries since the Obama administration took office. Her visit has been closely scrutinized for signs of change in the Sino-US relationship.
Sino-US relations more important than ever
|
|
Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) meets with visiting US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (L) in Beijing, China, Feb. 21, 2009.[Yao Dawei/Xinhua]
|
Clinton held talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao, State Councilor Dai Bingguo and Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi. Hu emphasized "it is more important than at any time in the past to deepen and develop China-US relations amid the spreading financial crisis and increasing global challenges."
The leaders discussed bilateral ties, financial crisis and climate change. They exchanged opinions on the consensus reached at the G20 financial summit in London. And China's Ministry of Defense announced that military officials from the two countries would begin a two day working conference on February 27.
Tao Wenzhao, a senior researcher at the Institute of American Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said "Happening so soon, as the new US administration is just beginning its work; Clinton's visit has got Sino-US relations off to a favorable start. It is a contrast to the unpleasant openings made by the previous two US governments."
Shi Yinhong, professor of International Relations at Renmin University of China, said, "It's without question that China and the US consider each other as pivotal economic powers in the world. It's clear both have decided to put disputes to one side and are going to concentrate on dealing with the world political and economic challenges through a policy of cooperation."
"After the financial crisis broke out, the US needed China's cooperation on finance issues, in the markets, and in diplomacy. In any case, a weak US economy will badly affect China's economy, so two countries need to help each other," Shi added.
Shi said dealing with the financial crisis together is an opportunity to strengthen mutual trust and cooperation.