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US, China Strike Conciliatory Tone as Annual Talks Begin

by VOA News July 09, 2014

Top Chinese and United States officials are emphasizing cooperation as they begin two days of annual talks in Beijing on Wednesday.

At an opening ceremony, Chinese President Xi Jinping said confrontation between the U.S. and China would 'definitely be a disaster.'

'Sino-U.S. cooperation can be a significant achievement that is beneficial to both sides and to the world. China-U.S. confrontation, to the two countries and the world, would definitely be a disaster. Under these circumstances, we on both sides should look far into the distance, strengthen and persist on cooperation, and avoid confrontation,' said Xi.

That sentiment was repeated by Secretary of State John Kerry and Treasury Secretary Jack Lew, who are leading the U.S. delegation.

Kerry said the United States is not trying to contain China, but hopes it becomes 'peaceful, stable and prosperous' and contributes to regional stability.

Such conciliatory public statements are a standard feature at the yearly talks. But in private meetings, both sides look to deal with sensitive issues that have challenged bilateral relations.

One area of disagreement is on economic matters, such as the value of China's currency and U.S. access to Chinese markets.

In his opening comments, Lew said it is 'crucial' that China moves to a market-determined exchange rate. He also said both countries' workers and companies need a level playing field.

China's maritime disputes with its neighbors in the East and South China Seas are likely to be another source of friction at the talks.

Many Asian countries accuse China of using its growing military power to aggressively advance its disputed sea claims and exploit the region's natural resources.

The United States officially takes no sides in the rival claims. But ahead of the talks, a senior U.S. official called some of China's claims 'problematic' and a cause of regional tensions.

The Beijing talks also will likely address the sensitive topic of cyber security. China pulled out of talks on the issue earlier this year after Washington charged five Chinese military officers with cyber espionage -- charges China angrily denies.

The two sides could find some common ground on how to deal with North Korea's nuclear program. China, North Korea's only major ally, has agreed in recent years to put more pressure on Pyongyang.

There could also be cooperation on global warming. U.S. and Chinese officials signed eight separate agreements Tuesday on sharing information and technology on climate change. They cover clean coal technology and power plants that can capture carbon dioxide before it is poured into the atmosphere.