Summit produces results on cybersecurity, climate change

The long-awaited summit between President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart President Barack Obama on Friday yielded substantial results in cybersecurity and climate-change cooperation, striking a positive tone in the bilateral relationship.

Both sides also proposed to handle their differences in a candid and constructive way, as the world's two largest economies try to manage differences and not let those disagreements derail the relationship.

The meeting between Xi and Obama in Washington has been widely followed, as it is the first time that Xi paid a state visit to the US, at a time when the relationship, despite the growing trade and personal exchanges, contains several irritants, including the cybersecurity issue.

The two countries had reached a "common understanding" on steps to curb cyber spying and agreed that neither government would conduct nor support economic espionage in cyberspace, according to the leaders.

They will enhance efforts in combating cybercrime and sharing related information, the two leaders said. Xi and Obama also announced several more agreements, including a deal to strengthen the landmark emissions agreement struck last year, setting detailed steps and commitments for a new global climate agreement to be concluded in Paris this December.

Xi told a joint press conference that the talks with Obama the past two days, including a three-hour private dinner at the Blair House on Thursday, have been very constructive, with substantial results.

The leaders also mentioned their interaction on the Asia-Pacific region and the South China Sea issue, with each reiterating their formal stance.

Xi said China is committed to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea, managing differences and disputes through dialogue, negotiation, consultation, in a peaceful manner, and exploring ways to achieve mutual benefit through cooperation.

China has long stated that freedom of navigation has been and will be ensured in the South China Sea, which China, now the world top trading nation, depends on for the passage of its exports and imports.

Preceding the formal talks, Obama threw a lavish welcome ceremony for Xi across the White House South Lawn, featuring a 21-gun salute and a military band playing the national anthems and then March of Volunteers.

During the welcome speech, Obama spoke of the long history of "friendship and cooperation between our two great peoples", citing the Chinese immigrants who "helped build our railroads and our great cities".

"When the United States and China work together, it makes our nations and the world more prosperous and secure," Obama said, adding that the two countries should address differences candidly.