Presidents Barack Obama and Hu Jintao

The relationship between the United States and China has never been more important, said President Barack Obama on his recent trip to China. The challenges of the 21st century including economic recovery, nuclear non-proliferation, and climate change, touch both countries and demand joint solutions.

With regard to the economy, the U.S. and China agreed to pursue a strategy of growth where America saves more, spends less and reduces its long-term debt, and where China makes policy adjustments to rebalance its economy and spur domestic demand.

On the issue of non-proliferation, the U.S. and China expressed a shared commitment to stop the spread of nuclear weapons. Both countries agreed on the need to resume 6-party talks on North Korea's nuclear program as soon as possible.

North Korea has a choice, said President Obama, "It can continue down the path of confrontation and provocation that has led to less security, less prosperity, and more isolation from the global community, or it can choose to become a full member of the international community, which will give a better life to its people by living up to international obligations and foregoing nuclear weapons."

In the same way, the U.S. and China agreed that Iran must provide assurances that its nuclear program is peaceful and transparent. "But if it fails to take this opportunity," said President Obama, "there will be consequences."

In talks with President Hu, President Obama underscored America's beliefs that all men and women possess fundamental human rights. He stated that these principles are not unique to America, but rather they are universal rights belonging to all people.

The United States again reaffirmed its commitment to a one-China policy. As President Obama stated, "I have been clear in the past that my administration fully supports a one-China policy, as reflected in the three joint communiqués that date back several decades, in terms of our relations with Taiwan as well as our relations with the People's Republic of China. We don't want to change that policy and that approach."

With the world as interconnected as it is, one country's success must not come at the expense of another. That's why the United States welcomes China as a strong, prosperous, and successful member of the community of nations.