Both sides underscored the importance of the Taiwan issue in China-U.S. relations. The Chinese side emphasized that the Taiwan issue concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and expressed the hope that the U.S. side will honor its relevant commitments and appreciate and support the Chinese side's position on this issue.

Chinese President Hu Jintao shakes hands with U.S. President Barack Obama during a bilateral meeting at the White House in Washington, the United States, Jan. 19, 2011. [Xinhua/Lan Hongguang]

The U.S. side stated that the United States follows its one-China policy and abides by the principles of the three joint communiques.

China and the United States reiterated their commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, even as they continue to have significant differences on these issues.

China and the United States affirmed that a healthy, stable, and reliable military-to-military relationship is an essential part of President Hu's and President Obama's shared vision for a positive, cooperative, and comprehensive China-U.S. relationship.

Pledging to strengthen macroeconomic communication and cooperation in support of strong, sustainable and balanced growth in the two nations and the global economy, the two sides also recognized the importance of open trade and investment, and vowed to oppose trade protectionism.

China and the United States also agreed to continue their close consultations on action addressing climate change.

Before holding talks with Obama, Hu attended a welcome ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House hosted by President Obama, at which also present were U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

On Wednesday evening, an opulent state dinner, the grandest of White House soirees, was hosted by President Obama in Hu's honor.

Hu, who is on his first state visit to the United States since Obama took office, will travel to Chicago Thursday and wrap up his visit Friday.