US President Obama said, "Our relationship going forward will not be without disagreement or difficulties. But because of the cooperation between the US and China, we are more prosperous and secure, we have seen what's possible .... mutual respect. We look forward to deepening that engagement and understanding in the months and years to come.

The two leaders issued a joint statement on Tuesday. In it, they agreed to deepen high-level exchanges, to work closely for a complete and stable recovery of the world economy, and to stay committed to resolving the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.

Obama reiterated his administration's adherence to the one China policy, which the country considers its core interest.

On the more immediate task of climate change ahead of next month's Copenhagen meeting, China and the US promised to work together to tackle the problem.

He Yafei, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister, said, "I believe such a statement gives a full expression to the principles of common but differential responsibilities, outlining that China and the US have totally different national conditions. They should take actions respectively according to realities on the ground."

Obama's trip is part of an effort to fulfill his commitment to working with the rest of the world. China and the US do not and will not agree on every issue. But close contacts are important in clarifying strategies that will work out differences in the long run.