PJ: The current US administration has continued to work for a constructive dialogue with China while the GOP continues to demonize them. What I find interesting is that it was Republican President Richard Nixon who opened the door to China relations in 1972 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Nixon#China. It was considered by many, and touted by the Republican Party, to be the crowning jewel of his presidency.
Al Jazeera
Obama spars with Xi over trade and Syria
Visiting Chinese vice-president told of US disappointment over his country's decision to join Russia in UN veto.
US President Barack Obama expressed disappointment over China's veto of a UN Security Council resolution against Syria and raised trade issues and human rights concerns during talks at the White House with the man considered China's leader in waiting.
But Xi Jinping, China's vice president, received an otherwise fulsome welcome in the US capital on Tuesday, including a lengthy audience with Obama, an elaborate reception at the State Department, full military honours at the Pentagon, a gathering with chief business executives and dinner with Joe Biden, his US counterpart.
Xi's visit is seen as a crucial opportunity for Washington to build a working relationship with the 58-year-old, who is expected to step up to the presidency in place of Hu Jintao in 2013.
Referring to trade and currency tensions between the world's largest two economies, Obama told Xi that everyone must observe global economic "rules of the road".
Obama also said the US intended to remain an important power in the Asia-Pacific region despite China's rise.
He said China's "extraordinary development over the last two decades" had brought expanding power and prosperity but also "increased responsibilities" for China.
"We want to work with China to make sure that everybody is working by the same rules of the road when it comes to the world economic system," Obama said, as Xi sat by his side before their Oval Office talks.
"That includes insuring that there is a balanced trading flow not only between the United States and China but around the world," Obama said.
He also said that on critical issues like human rights, the US would "continue to emphasise what we believe is the importance of realising the aspirations and rights of all people".
'More bright spots'
Speaking after the talks, Xi called for economic and trade concerns to be addressed through dialogue and consultation, rather than protectionism.
"We should tap our co-operation potential, create more bright spots in our co-operation and strive for greater balance in trade and investment between the two countries."
Xi earlier held talks at the White House with Biden and Hillary Clinton, the secretary of state.
He is also due to meet business leaders and tour Iowa and California during his week-long trip.
Al Jazeera's Alan Fisher, reporting from Washington DC, said that there was a lot on the table for the White House meeting.
"They're talking about the economy - it's always important, almost overrides many things in many people's eyes - certainly China wants access to the US markets, the US wants to double its exports," our correspondent said.
He said that the two countries had also discussed "international security and co-operation".
"The Chinese are worried about America becoming a much stronger presence in the Pacific ... but Barack Obama has been praising the Chinese, saying that it's important that it's acknowledged that they have become a world power through peaceful means."
Xi cites rights 'achievements'
On the issue of human rights, Xi defended his country's human rights record at a State Department lunch but admitted that there was "room for improvement".
Human rights groups and Western governments have criticised Beijing over the arrests and detention of dozens of dissidents, rights advocates and grassroots protesters, including prominent figures such as Liu Xiaobo, the Nobel Peace laureate.
Xi said he had had a "candid exchange" regarding human rights with Biden and Clinton.
"I stressed that China has made tremendous and well-recognised achievements in the field of human rights over the past 30-plus years, since reform and opening up," he said.
Noting that there was a "free Tibet" protest outside the White House during Tuesday's visit by Xi, Al Jazeera's Fisher said it was unclear whether he would differ from China's current leadership on any of the key issues.
"It's only when he's in the top job will you get an idea of what sort of direction he wants to take China," our correspondent said.
He said that, at the moment, Xi's reputation was that of a leader who would "toe the line".
Al Jazeera's Melissa Chan, reporting from Beijing, said Xi's US visit appeared to be a "PR trip" designed to demonstrate that the country's little-known next leader had a "lively personality".
"Not much is known even in China about this man and his personality," said Chan, adding that Xi's expected itinerary included an LA Lakers basketball game was "quite a colourful way to present a [future] Chinese president".
"Chinese leaders tend to be quite wooden so this is a way for to present himself in a better light."
For video:
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/americas/2012/02/20122141773827311.html
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