Dialogue between the U.S and China is key to solving the most important questions of the 21st century, including environmental, economic, and nuclear proliferation concerns, said President Barack Obama Monday during an address to the first meeting of the U.S - China Strategic and Economic Dialogue.
"We cannot predict with any certainty what the future will bring, but we can be certain about the issues that will define our times," the President said. "Our ability to partner with each other is a prerequisite for progress on many of the most pressing global challenges."
The President said it was essential for both the U.S and China to work aggressively to prevent further economic downturn along with following the mandate of "common sense" in order to transform their energy economies.
"The United States and China are the two largest consumers of energy in the World," Obama said. "Let's be frank: neither of us profits from a growing dependence on foreign oil, nor can we spare our people from the ravages of climate change unless we cooperate."
The President also addressed the importance of U.S - China cooperation in preventing rogue nations from gaining nuclear capabilities, particularly Iran and North Korea.
"The more nations acquire these weapons, the more likely they will be used," Obama warned.
While much of the speech focused on the positive aspects of the U.S - China relationship, including respect for China's history and culture, the President did address China's human rights issues. He stressed that it was important that people should be "free to speak their minds."
"Support for human rights and human dignity is ingrained in America," Obama said. "Those rights include the freedom to speak your mind; to worship your God; and to choose your leaders. These are not things that we seek to impose, this is who we are."
Obama outlined his view of the countries' future relationship.
"I believe in a future where China is a strong, prosperous and successful member of the community." Obama said. "This is not fixed, but it is a destination that can be reached if we pursue a sustained dialogue like the one we commence today."
The President said that he was under no illusion that the United States and China would agree on every issue, but that this was what made discussions between the two countries all the more essential.
"[Disagreement] makes dialogue more important so that we can know each other better and communicate our concerns with candor."
U.S - China Relationship Will Shape 21st Century, Says President Obama
Dialogue between the U.S and China is key to solving the most important questions of the 21st century, including environmental, economic, and nuclear proliferation concerns, said President Barack Obama Monday during an address to the first meeting of the U.S - China Strategic and Economic Dialogue.
"We cannot predict with any certainty what the future will bring, but we can be certain about the issues that will define our times," the President said. "Our ability to partner with each other is a prerequisite for progress on many of the most pressing global challenges."
The President said it was essential for both the U.S and China to work aggressively to prevent further economic downturn along with following the mandate of "common sense" in order to transform their energy economies.
"The United States and China are the two largest consumers of energy in the World," Obama said. "Let's be frank: neither of us profits from a growing dependence on foreign oil, nor can we spare our people from the ravages of climate change unless we cooperate."
The President also addressed the importance of U.S - China cooperation in preventing rogue nations from gaining nuclear capabilities, particularly Iran and North Korea.
"The more nations acquire these weapons, the more likely they will be used," Obama warned.
While much of the speech focused on the positive aspects of the U.S - China relationship, including respect for China's history and culture, the President did address China's human rights issues. He stressed that it was important that people should be "free to speak their minds."
"Support for human rights and human dignity is ingrained in America," Obama said. "Those rights include the freedom to speak your mind; to worship your God; and to choose your leaders. These are not things that we seek to impose, this is who we are."
Obama outlined his view of the countries' future relationship.
"I believe in a future where China is a strong, prosperous and successful member of the community." Obama said. "This is not fixed, but it is a destination that can be reached if we pursue a sustained dialogue like the one we commence today."
The President said that he was under no illusion that the United States and China would agree on every issue, but that this was what made discussions between the two countries all the more essential.
"[Disagreement] makes dialogue more important so that we can know each other better and communicate our concerns with candor."