The Daily Journalist.
The US president Barack Obama, received on Friday at the White House his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping.
In a joint appearance, the two leaders have confirmed their commitments last November in relation to climate change and have shown a common vision on the environment.
China, the largest carbon emitter in the world will launch a national system of cap and trade carbon in 2017 to help curb the country’s emissions, which will be based on seven pilot regional markets that are already underway in its territory.
The statement aimed to show “the determination of both countries to act decisively to achieve the objectives set last year.” this was a highlight of the state visit of Xi to the US, where the two leaders tackled difficult issues such as cyber espionage, trade tensions between the two countries and China’s own economic policies.
Human rights
Obama was welcomed Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, at a ceremony in the garden of the White House before holding a bilateral meeting.
“We must speak frankly about our differences. America will always speak in defense of fundamental truths,” Obama said in the welcome ceremony.
The US president has denounced in very direct terms the “messy” situation of human rights in China during the joint appearance.“We have expressed very frankly our deep conviction that prevent journalists, lawyers, NGOs and members of civil society […] to freely work and its a problem,” Obama has publicly stated.
Disputes in the Pacific
Another issue that has been discussed at the meeting between the two presidents have been territorial disputes in the South China Sea. “We discussed candidly about this and have insisted the president Xi on the right of all countries allows freedom of navigation and overflight and trade without hindrance,” said Obama.
“I conveyed to President Xi our significant concerns about territorial claims, construction and militarization of the disputed areas, making it more difficult for countries in the region to resolve disagreements peacefully. And I have encouraged to find a resolution to this conflict. ”
Cyber-espionage
One of the underlying reasons for the recent clashes between the two countries were the US accusations against China over cyber espionage. Both leaders have said they have “made great strides” about committing to States not participating of industrial espionage in any way.
Although Xi said that “I can not guarantee the behavior” worldwide about Chinese soil, Obama has been blunt in demanding a press conference to enforce the laws if they are non-governmental entities that are participating in this cyber delinquency. In this sense, the occupant of the White House has insisted that expects Xi to demonstrate that China does not endorse these crimes.
Thus, the United States intends to work with other countries, the UN and the private sector to develop international rules governing the conduct in cyberspace.
Meanwhile, Washington “will apply all the tools in his hand” to prosecute companies who spy on Americans “from anywhere in the world,” said President Obama.
Business Relations
“We believe that nations are more successful and the world moves more when our companies compete on a level playing field, where disputes are resolved peacefully and when universal human rights of all are respected,” he added.
Obama stressed that the United States welcomes China’s rise in the world, and that both countries make great progress in mutual understanding.
“I think our two great nations, working together, have an unparalleled ability to shape the course of this century,” said the US president.
Meanwhile, Xi said that “working together, China and the United States can produce a greater effect than individual efforts” and should for that, “adapt to changing times.”
“I come to America this time to promote peace and enhance cooperation,” said Xi.
“We must pursue cooperation in which both win […], promote strategic trust and mutual understanding, respect the interests and concerns of the other, be open-minded about our differences and disagreements,” said the Chinese president.
Xi is planning a lunch at the State Department with US Vice President Joe Biden; before attending a state dinner tonight at the White House with his wife.
Obama and Xi already gathered Thursday night in a first private dinner, where they discussed their ideas for the future of the bilateral relationship.
Xi’s visit aims to strengthen confidence in the United States in its country, and convinced that China is far from the economic debacle, following recent declines recorded by financial markets.
