Deep divisions still after Clinton's talks in Beijing
Source: Agencies |
September 6, 2012, Thursday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
Talks between US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Chinese leaders yesterday failed to narrow gaps on how to end the crisis in Syria and resolve territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
The countries remain deeply divided on both issues, although committed to working together despite the differences, after Clinton met President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi.
China says Syria's civil war needs to be resolved through negotiation, not outside pressure.
"I think history will judge that China's position on the Syria question is a promotion of the appropriate handling of the situation," Yang told a news conference with Clinton. "For what we have in mind is the interests of the people of Syria and the region and the interests of peace, stability and development in the region and throughout the world."
The comment was a rebuke to Clinton, who has said the Chinese and Russian UN vetoes put them "on the wrong side of history."
She told reporters: "It is no secret that we have been disappointed by Russia and China's actions blocking tougher UN Security Council resolutions and we hope to continue to unite behind a real path forward to end the violence in Syria."
Clinton said disagreements over issues such as Syria, the South China Sea and human rights did not have to affect cooperation with China.
"I'm very proud of the strength and resilience that we have built into our relationship," she said after talks with Yang in Beijing. "It makes it possible for us to talk about anything, and to find ways to tackle issues frankly and forthrightly."
Yang told reporters: "We hope that China and the United States will work together to develop a positive and pragmatic relationship."
China opposes US proposals for a multilateral approach to managing and eventually resolving East China Sea disputes, preferring to negotiate separately with each of its Asian neighbors.
"Regarding the South China Sea, the position of the Chinese government has been consistent and clear cut. China has sovereignty over the islands in the South China Sea and their adjacent waters," Yang said.
Yang said the tensions would pose no threat to international maritime commerce, something Washington has cited as the reason that peaceful settlements are a US national security interest.
In later talks with Premier Wen Jiabao, Clinton was also put on notice that China disagrees with the US push into Asia.
"The US should respect China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, respect China's national core interests and the people's feelings," Wen said.
Hu praised Clinton for implementing a student exchange initiative, pushing for the construction of the US pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo two years ago, and for backing the strategic and economic dialogue, annual talks used to boost understanding between the countries.
Clinton had been due to meet Vice President Xi Jinping, but that was canceled by the Chinese for "unexpected scheduling reasons," State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said. Yang said there should be no "unnecessary speculation" about changes to Clinton's schedule.
The countries remain deeply divided on both issues, although committed to working together despite the differences, after Clinton met President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi.
China says Syria's civil war needs to be resolved through negotiation, not outside pressure.
"I think history will judge that China's position on the Syria question is a promotion of the appropriate handling of the situation," Yang told a news conference with Clinton. "For what we have in mind is the interests of the people of Syria and the region and the interests of peace, stability and development in the region and throughout the world."
The comment was a rebuke to Clinton, who has said the Chinese and Russian UN vetoes put them "on the wrong side of history."
She told reporters: "It is no secret that we have been disappointed by Russia and China's actions blocking tougher UN Security Council resolutions and we hope to continue to unite behind a real path forward to end the violence in Syria."
Clinton said disagreements over issues such as Syria, the South China Sea and human rights did not have to affect cooperation with China.
"I'm very proud of the strength and resilience that we have built into our relationship," she said after talks with Yang in Beijing. "It makes it possible for us to talk about anything, and to find ways to tackle issues frankly and forthrightly."
Yang told reporters: "We hope that China and the United States will work together to develop a positive and pragmatic relationship."
China opposes US proposals for a multilateral approach to managing and eventually resolving East China Sea disputes, preferring to negotiate separately with each of its Asian neighbors.
"Regarding the South China Sea, the position of the Chinese government has been consistent and clear cut. China has sovereignty over the islands in the South China Sea and their adjacent waters," Yang said.
Yang said the tensions would pose no threat to international maritime commerce, something Washington has cited as the reason that peaceful settlements are a US national security interest.
In later talks with Premier Wen Jiabao, Clinton was also put on notice that China disagrees with the US push into Asia.
"The US should respect China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, respect China's national core interests and the people's feelings," Wen said.
Hu praised Clinton for implementing a student exchange initiative, pushing for the construction of the US pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo two years ago, and for backing the strategic and economic dialogue, annual talks used to boost understanding between the countries.
Clinton had been due to meet Vice President Xi Jinping, but that was canceled by the Chinese for "unexpected scheduling reasons," State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said. Yang said there should be no "unnecessary speculation" about changes to Clinton's schedule.
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