国内英语新闻:China, U.S. aim at cooperative partnership for global benefits

WASHINGTON, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- China and the United States have agreed to further boost their bilateral relationship toward a cooperative partnership for the benefit of the whole world, President Hu Jintao said Wednesday.

The visiting Chinese leader presented the course forward at a joint press conference at the White House with his U.S. counterpart Barack Obama following their eighth meeting in two years.

During the talks, conducted in "a candid, pragmatic and constructive atmosphere," the two sides reached "important agreement on China-U.S. relations and major international and regional issues of shared interests," according to the Chinese president.

Chinese President Hu Jintao (2nd L) holds a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama (2nd R) at the White House in Washington, the United States, Jan. 19, 2011.

"We both agree to further push forward the positive, cooperative and comprehensive China-U.S. relationship," Hu said, adding that both sides also pledged to forge "a China-U.S. cooperative partnership based on mutual respect and mutual benefit" for the benefit of the two countries and beyond.

Meanwhile, the two sides "should firmly adhere to the right direction," respecting each other's core interests and handling their relations with a long-term perspective, which will enable both countries to make greater contributions to world peace and development, he said.

Citing the growing number of global challenges, the Chinese president stressed that Beijing and Washington "share expanding common interests and shoulder increasing common responsibilities."

Accordingly, he added, the two sides have agreed to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in economy, trade, environment, education, science and technology, non-proliferation and counter-terrorism among many other fields.

During Hu's ongoing state visit, the two countries signed a number of cooperation agreements. "These will inject fresh momentum into our bilateral cooperation and create a great many job opportunities for our two countries," Hu said.

He added that he and Obama also discussed some disagreements in the economic and trade area, with both sides pledging "to continue to appropriately resolve these according to the principle of mutual respect and consultation on an equal footing."

Commenting on the relations between the countries's armed forces, Hu said, "We believe expansion of military exchanges and cooperation will be conducive to deepening mutual trust between our two countries."

On the situation on the Korean Peninsula, he said that both countries agreed to work together with relevant parties to maintain peace and stability on the peninsula, promote denuclearization of the peninsula and achieve lasting peace and security in Northeast Asia.

The Chinese leader reaffirmed China's firm commitment to the path of peaceful development and a win-win strategy of opening up, and appreciated Obama's commitment to a positive and constructive China policy.

"China is a friend and partner of all countries, and China's development is an opportunity for the world," he said.