China, US not adversaries: Obama

• Source: Global Times
• [03:16 November 17 2009]
• Comments

In regard to climate change, he stressed the importance of Sino-US cooperation in what has become a global problem.

"There are very few global challenges that can be solved unless China and the United States agree," he said in response to a student's question.

In response to the question of a Web user in Taiwan over the US' stance on the Taiwan issue, Obama said that his administration will continue to fully support the one-China policy, and he wants to see cross-Straits ties improve.

"I have been clear in the past: The United States supports a one-China policy. We do not want to change that policy or approach. ... I am very pleased with the reduction of tensions and improvement of the cross-Straits relations," he said.

The president also briefly touched on terrorism concerns, saying the greatest threat to US security is terrorist networks such as Al Qaeda.

He explained that US troops moved into Afghanistan because Al Qaeda was being hosted by the Taliban in Afghanistan, but the terror group has now moved over the border of Afghanistan and has networks with other extremist groups throughout the region.

The US now has 68,000 troops fighting in Afghanistan, and 40,000 more could be sent soon.

A law student surnamed Wang at the East China University of Political Science and Law told the Global Times that the meeting was quite free and relaxed in the form of dialogue.

"I was mostly impressed by discussions over the US arms sale to Taiwan, expectations on the World Expo as well as the pluralistic cultures of the two countries," Wang said.

A law student surnamed Li from Fudan University told the Global Times that she had not been given the chance to ask Obama her specially prepared questions. But commenting on the discussion, she said it conveyed "Obama's strong will of building up closer ties between the US and China in order to make a joint effort to solve challenges in a time of financial crisis."

Trade officials from both countries don't seem to be willing to concede their positions on issues including the exchange rate of the Chinese currency and trade frictions, the VOA's Chinese website reported.

The US won't compromise on its national economic interests and principles because of Obama's visit, while China would have to consider its own long-term interest, the VOA quoted analysts as saying.

Obama is expected to fly to South Korea Wednesday afternoon.

Global Times/Xinhua