Chinese, U.S. presidents discuss cooperation in Asia-Pacific

ST. PETERSBURG, Sept. 6 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Friday that China and the United States have more cooperation areas than differences in the Asia-Pacific region during a meeting with his U.S. counterpart Barack Obama.

Xi said that the Asia-Pacific region currently faces an important opportunity for further development, but certain problems also exist over maritime rights and island disputes.

China hopes the United States will adopt an objective and fair attitude on these issues and urge relevant countries to take concrete actions to address these problems, Xi said, adding that he hopes Washington can play a positive role in maintaining peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

Obama, for his part, said the U.S. side hopes to build a comprehensive partnership with China on Asia-Pacific affairs, strengthen communication with China, and work together with China to promote regional cooperation.

Washington calls on all relevant parties in the region to address the disputes through diplomatic means, the U.S. president said, adding that his country is willing to play a positive role in this regard.

The meeting between the Chinese and U.S. presidents, which came on the sidelines of the eighth summit of the Group of 20, was their second face-to-face session this year since their first summit held at the Annenberg estate in the U.S. state of California in June.

The two heads of state also exchanged views on the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

Xi stressed that China has been firmly pushing for the denuclearization process and working to maintain peace and stability on the peninsula by actively promoting negotiations.

Beijing urges all relevant parties to work together to act in accordance with the "Sept. 19" joint statement and restart the six-party talks at an early date, Xi added.

The "Sept. 19" joint statement was issued in Beijing on Sept. 19, 2005 at the end of the fourth round of the six-party talks, which are hosted by China and bring together representatives of China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the United States, the Republic of Korea, Russia and Japan.

The document provides a framework for resolving the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.

Obama reiterated the U.S. position on denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula and spoke highly of China's recent endeavors, saying that Washington is ready to maintain communication and coordination with China on the issue.