U.S.-China Joint Statement

November 17, 2009
Beijing, China

At the invitation of President Hu Jintao of the People’s Republic of China, President Barack Obama of the United States of America is paying a state visit to China from November 15–18, 2009.  The Presidents held in-depth, productive and candid discussions on U.S.-China relations and other issues of mutual interest.  They highlighted the substantial progress in U.S.-China relations over the past 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, and they reached agreement to advance U.S.-China relations in the new era.  President Obama will have separate meetings with Wu Bangguo, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and Premier Wen Jiabao. President Obama also spoke with and answered questions from Chinese youth.

I. The U.S.-China Relationship

The United States and China agreed that regular exchanges between leaders of the two countries are essential to the long-term, sound, and steady growth of U.S.-China relations.  The two sides are of the view that the three meetings between the two presidents and other important bilateral exchanges this year have strengthened relations.  President Obama invited President Hu to make a visit to the United States next year, and President Hu accepted the invitation with pleasure.  Leaders of the two countries will continue to maintain close communication through mutual visits, meetings, telephone conversations and correspondence. >>The Full Text<<

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT OBAMA
AND PRESIDENT HU OF CHINA
BEFORE MEETING

PRESIDENT HU:  (As translated.)  I am very happy to have talks with you, Mr. President.  This is your first state visit to this country.  To begin with, please allow me to extend on behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people and in my own name, a warm welcome to you -- welcome to China.

Mr. President, you attach importance to China and you have also worked actively to promote the further growth of this relationship.  You have underlined that you welcome a strong, prosperous, and successful China that plays a even greater role on the world stage.

I very much appreciate your statements.  I'm willing to have a in-depth exchange of views with you, Mr. President, on how to further the China-U.S. relationship and on how to step up our cooperation in regional and international affairs.  >>The Full Text<<