Climate change cooperation

Obama said while answering a question of a student that it is vital for the US and China to strengthen cooperation in dealing with the global challenge of climate change.

"There are very few global challenges that can be solved unless China and the United States agree," he said.

As the world's two largest greenhouse gas emitters, the United States and China should assume the responsibility to curb greenhouse gas emissions, he said.

"Unless both of our countries are willing to take critical steps in dealing with this issue, we will not be able to resolve it," Obama said.

Obama called on world leaders to strike a deal at the Copenhagen conference in December during which they would possibly make differentiated commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

China should not take the same obligations as the United States since it has a much larger population fighting poverty, Obama said.

Adherence to one-China policy

When asked by a netizen from Taiwan on the US stance on Taiwan issues, Obama said his administration would continue to fully support the one-China policy and would be very pleased to see the improving cross-Straits relationship.

"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.

Obama noted it was his "deep desire and hope" that he would continue to see great improvement between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan in resolving issues.

Economic and commercial ties were helping to lower a lot of tensions, he said.

Key talks in capital

Obama said economic recovery, climate change and stopping the spread of nuclear weapons would be the main topics in his upcoming talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao in the capital Beijing. The development of clean energy and the promotion of peace and security in Asia would also on the list of their talks, he said.

After meeting with officials and students in Shanghai, Obama touched down in Beijing later Monday afternoon to continue his China tour. He was greeted at the airport by Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping.

US Ambassador to China Jon Huntsman, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Permanent Representative to the United Nations Susan Rice and National Security Advisor James Jones also arrived in Beijing on Monday afternoon.

During his stay in Beijing, Obama is to exchange views with Chinese leaders on bilateral relations and major international and regional issues of common concern, and visit the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, two of China's most cherished heritage sites.

China is one leg of Obama's Asian tour, following his visit to Japan and Singapore. He is set to leave Beijing for the Republic of Korea Wednesday afternoon.

(Xinhua News Agency November 17, 2009)