President Obama is in Paris for a conference on climate change. Today he met with the leader of China, President Xi Jinping, and discussed the importance of the U.S.-China relationship in regards to fighting climate change.
“As the two largest economies in the world and the two largest carbon-emitters, we have both determined that it is our responsibility to take action. And since our historic joint announcement of our post-2020 climate targets in Beijing last year, more than 180 countries have followed in announcing their own targets. And so our leadership on this issue has been absolutely vital, and I appreciate President Xi’s consistent cooperation on this issue,” Obama said in brief remarks with Xi by his side.
“The United States and China also come here with a common vision for what’s needed in a Paris agreement, including moving toward a low-carbon global economy in this century, enhancing transparency to build trust, and robust financial support to help developing countries adapt. And here in Paris, we will be working together to try to deliver on that vision.
“We’ve also been able to set up a number of key forums for us to find additional areas of cooperation through our Strategic & Economic Dialogues and our military-to-military exchanges. We’ve been able to enhance security, help to strengthen the global economy, and manage conflicts in various hotspots around the world. And I want to particularly express our condolences over the killing of a recent Chinese hostage by ISIL. I think it indicates the degree that this is a threat to all of our countries. And I look forward to discussing how China can play a greater role in addressing this crisis, and especially supporting a political transition in Syria, and assisting on humanitarian needs — because what’s clear is that China is invested in helping to resolve global problems. And all of us, including the United States, benefits.”
President Obama, however, did make sure to clarify that there are differences between the U.S. and China.
“Of course, as President Xi indicated, there are differences between our countries. That’s natural. But on issues like cybersecurity and maritime issues, I think President Xi and I have developed a candid way of discussing these issues. And our teams have found ways to work through these tensions in a constructive fashion. And we hope to build on that today. I’m also looking forward to President Xi’s hosting of the next G20 meeting in Hangzhou. And that will give us some additional opportunity to work to strengthen the global economy and to deal with issues like sustainable development, and I think once again show the world that there’s far more that the United States and China have in common than separates us, and that when we work together, good things happen.”
