">Forum Views () 
">Forum Replies ()  
 
 
Read more with google mobile :
US, China play down tension as talks begin  
 
 
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
  
 
  
Navigation
Primary Navigation
 
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
 
Australia
China
India
 Indonesia
Japan
Malaysia
Philippines
Thailand
Vietnam
 
Search
 
 
Search:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
US, China play down tension as talks begin
 
 
 
 
 
 
 AFP - Thursday, March 12
WASHINGTON (AFP) - - The United States and China played down tensions over Tibet and a US surveillance ship as they began high-level talks here Wednesday aimed at tackling the global financial crisis and other topics.
ADVERTISEMENT
  
Reciprocating for her visit to Beijing late last month, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave a warm welcome to Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi who was also due to meet later with Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner.
"It's very positive that he (Yang) could come so soon and we can continue our discussions. Welcome so much, Minister Yang," Clinton said as she and her Chinese counterpart smiled and posed for the cameras.
The State Department is playing down the risk of damage to ties from a new US-Chinese row over human rights in Tibet and a standoff between a US Navy surveillance ship and Chinese patrol boats in the South China Sea.
In the first such encounters since President Barack Obama was inaugurated in January, the trio were to focus on drafting proposals for the G20 summit next month in London where Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao are to meet for the first time amid efforts to solve the international credit crunch.
Yang stressed the point during his brief remarks as the meeting began.
"And we are here to get prepared for our two heads of state meeting in London and to work together to push our relationship forward," said the chief Chinese diplomat.
In her February 21-22 visit to Beijing, Clinton called for a deeper partnership between the United States and China, saying the world powers needed to unite to tackle the economic crisis and climate change.
State Department acting spokesman Robert Wood said Clinton and Yang would also likely discuss North Korea's threats to launch a missile as well as its defiance in six-party negotiations aimed at dismantling its nuclear program.
China chairs those talks that include the United States, the two Koreas, Japan and Russia.
Wood expected the recent disputes over Tibet and US Navy maneuvers to come up, but denied they would distract from the main goals of the meetings here.
"From time to time, there are going to be elements that come up that cause some tension," Wood told reporters.
"But the most important thing is that the US and China need to work together to solve a whole host of issues that the international community confronts," he said.
A State Department official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Clinton would "forcefully" present the US view on the naval standoff in her meeting with Yang.
However, he denied there would be any friction between Clinton and Yang.
China's defense ministry Wednesday urged the United States to respect its security following the standoff near its south coast, state media reported, amid warnings from Beijing about future ties.
Earlier in the day, China had also expressed anger over US criticism of Beijing's handling of Tibet and warned that such statements from Washington could harm bilateral military relations just as they seemed to be warming.
The spat between Washington and Beijing, which has seen numerous claims and counter-claims in the past few days, began after the Pentagon said Chinese vessels had harassed a US Navy ship in international waters.
The Pentagon said the incident saw Chinese boats move directly in front of the Impeccable, forcing it to take emergency action to avoid a collision, and then dropped pieces of wood into its path.
Beijing hit back on Tuesday rejecting that account and demanding the United States cease what it called illegal activities in the South China Sea.
Chinese military chiefs believe the US Navy ship was on a spying mission, state media reported on Wednesday.
Added to the pressure on ties is the question of Tibet, where the 50th anniversary of a failed uprising against Chinese rule was marked Tuesday with a harsh security clampdown to prevent any protests.
The State Department marked the occasion with a statement urging China to reconsider its policies and pursue dialogue with the Dalai Lama, voicing "deep concern" about human rights in the region 50 years after an uprising.
Wood had told a briefing on Tuesday that the statement would be in Clinton's name.
 
 
 
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
 
 
   
Recommend this article
Average (0 votes)
Sign in to recommend this article »
Most Recommended Stories »
  
Related Articles: Asia Pacific
Aussie Ogilvy seeks to defend WGC titleAFP - Thursday, March 12
NKorea accuses Obama's government of interferenceAP - Thursday, March 12
Clinton says "range of options" on N.Korea missileReuters - Thursday, March 12
'Peking Man' 200,000 years older than thought: studyAFP - Thursday, March 12
Clinton, Chinese minister meet amid sea tensionsAP - Thursday, March 12
 
 
 
 
 
 Enlarge Photo
 
US, China play down tension as talks begin
 
 
 
Most Popular – Asia Pacific
 
 
 
 
 
 Viewed
 
 
 
 
Chimp used planning skills to attack humans
 
 
Citi outlook sparks explosive Wall Street rally
 
 
World faces 'Great Recession': IMF chief
 
 
German school gunman kills 15
 
 
Swiss bank UBS says earnings 'at risk'
 
 
View Complete List »
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy 
- Terms of Service 
- Community 
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy 
- Help
        
    
 
   
 
Other News on Thursday, 12 March 2009 Sarkozy says France will rejoin NATO command
| International
|  
Rebel soldier ousts Madagascar's army chief
| International
|  
Banker seriously injured in Moscow attack: reports
| International
|  
U.S. queries Israel's toilet-paper rules for Gaza
| International
|  
Ecuador captures FARC rebel wanted by U.S.
| International
|  
Google to target ads based on online activity
| Technology
|  
New EBay will zero in on PayPal as growth slows
| Technology
|  
Intel chief worried about U.S. deficit
| Technology
|  
Comcast says it's now No. 3 U.S. home phone provider
| Technology
|  
Vodafone to offer restriction-free music service
| Technology
|  
Ashton Kutcher wrestles with life in new movie
| Entertainment
|  
Rare Roy Rogers guitar heading for auction block
| Entertainment
|  
Big Love network apologizes to Mormons
| Entertainment
|  
North Korea tells international agencies of rocket plans
| International
|  
Former Saddam aide Tareq Aziz jailed for 15 years  
Teenage gunman kills 15 in German school attack
| International
|  
Iraqis defend security forces after attacks  
U.S. tries to play down naval confrontation with China
| International
|  
Reporter detained in Iran in good spirits  
Sarkozy says France will rejoin NATO command
| International
|  
US urges G20 to back economies throughout crisis  
Saddam's mouthpiece Tareq Aziz jailed for murder  
Security tight as Pakistani protesters gather
| International
|  
Gas leak delays launch of space shuttle Discovery  
Jobless China graduates mired in gloom amid slowdown
| International
|  
Tariq Aziz, Saddam-era official, gets 15-year term  
World population to reach nine billion by 2050: UN projections  
Sri Lanka troops kill Tamil Tiger finance chief
| International
|  
More tribes sign peace deal with Pakistan: official  
Global airlines warn of stormy 2009  
Germany issues warrant for Nazi guard suspect
| International
|  
German industrial slump stuns analysts  
China's SARS hero demands apology for detention
| International
|  
Freddie Mac board names interim CEO, chairman  
Norway pension fund loses 71.5 bln euros  
Zimbabwe court orders release of MDC official
| International
|  
German school gunman kills 15  
Population growth, climate change sparking water crisis: UN  
Population growth, climate change sparking water crisis: UN  
Man with grudge kills 10 in Alabama shooting spree  
Panama must adjust labor laws, trade lawmaker says  
Google turns voicemail to email
| Technology
|  
Officials: US to name envoy for Gitmo closure  
Apple rolls out talking iPod Shuffle
| Technology
|  
Online networking more popular than email
| Technology
|  
Italy high court backs govt in CIA kidnap case: ANSA  
Engineers find way to build a better battery
| Technology
|  
Getty Images in deal to distribute Flickr photos  
eBay zeroes in on PayPal in much-needed overhaul
| Technology
|  
Obama signs $410 billion bill to fund U.S. government  
Facebook goes live in Arabic  
Google to target ads based on online activity
| Technology
|  
Staff Sgt. Chad Caldwell: `Life of the platoon'  
Miami Herald sacks 175, cuts wages  
SAP, Sybase plan iPhone, Windows Mobile software
| Technology
|  
German arrest warrant for Nazi guard 'Ivan the Terrible'  
Google launches targeted advertising system  
Microsoft unveils mobile phone application store plans  
LonelyGirl15 starring in WB.com series
| Technology
|  
Intel's Barret worried about U.S. deficit
| Technology
|  
French lawmakers debate anti-piracy bill  
German flags at half mast after school bloodbath  
Cablevision to stop selling analog TV by year-end
| Technology
|  
Wal-Mart to enter medical records digitization market  
Sarkozy marches France back into NATO command  
Battery breakthrough promises phone, car revolution  
Spain marks fifth anniversary of Madrid train bombings  
eBay zeroes in on PayPal in much-needed overhaul  
ADVISORY: Wal-Mart e-records story is withdrawn  
Battery breakthrough promises phone, car revolution  
Germany issues warrant for Nazi camp guard  
Nokia launches 3 music phones  
Seven hurt in grenade blast in Kiev: Interfax  
British police help with Bangladesh mutiny probe  
Jonas Brothers announce world tour dates
| Entertainment
|  
Tom Brokaw to hit the road for new TV project
| Entertainment
|  
Aussie Ogilvy seeks to defend WGC title  
Chris Brown withdraws from Kids' Choice Awards
| Entertainment
|  
NKorea accuses Obama's government of interference  
Prince books four-night Leno gig
| Entertainment
|  
Clinton says "range of options" on N.Korea missile  
Icahn says talks with Lions Gate break down
| Entertainment
|  
'Peking Man' 200,000 years older than thought: study  
Rare Roy Rogers guitar heading for auction block  
Clinton, Chinese minister meet amid sea tensions  
US, China play down tension as talks begin  
U2 makes 7th trip to top of U.S. album chart
| Entertainment
|  
Beijing urges US to respect China's security: state media  
Sri Lanka tightens security after suicide blast  
4 bodies recovered from capsized Thai dive boat  
SKorea central bank freezes key interest rate at two percent  
Thousands behind White House vegetable 'plot'  
China's exports make record drop, but car sales up  
Japanese economy shrinks 12.1 percent in Q4  
Danish sex museum closes for lack of money  
Seoul shares open flat, LG Display tumbles  
Britain's Fat Duck restaurant reopening after health scare  
NZ manufacturing falls for 10th month in Feb-survey  
Judge orders rapper 'C-Murder' to remain jailed  
New Zealand food prices rise 0.2 pct  
Book: Columbine shooters mentally ill, not bullied  
NZ central bank cuts key rate for 6th time  
Advocates say program keeps kids awake  
Cut-price Britain-Asia airline takes off  
From Russia with love by Kenzo  
Pakistan's 6-mth T-bill cut-off yield at 11.7845  
Tyra Banks takes on issue of teen dating violence  
Sesame Workshop announces layoffs  
Kazakh leader calls for single global currency  
Rare Roy Rogers guitar heading for auction block  
Vodafone to offer restriction-free music service  
Afghans should handle Taliban talks: envoy  
Helicopter crashes off Canada coast, 17 missing
| International
|  
International aid workers kidnapped in Darfur
| International
|  
German town in shock after school shootings
| International
|  
Drug firm Roche in $46.8 bln deal for Genentech  
Iraq shoe thrower sentenced to three years in jail
| International
|  
Air France-KLM readying to order long-haul jets: report  
Teens with low vitamin D have higher risk of heart disease  
Austrian incest father set to go on trial
| International
|  
Israeli hiker falls to death from rescue helicopter
| International
|  
Pope pained over hate, hostility against him
| International
|  
Population growth, climate change sparking water crisis: UN  
After Iraq, more US caution on preemptive attacks: Gates  
Alabama gunman kept 'gripe list,' survival gear  
Nortel in talks to break itself up: report
| Technology
|  
Apple rolls out talking iPod Shuffle  
Facebook begins rolling out revamped home page  
Sirius XM sees better results in difficult 2009
| Technology
|  
Dell cutting jobs in North Carolina, Texas  
Thousands protest for peace in N. Ireland  
Comcast says it's now No. 3 U.S. home phone provider  
Chris Brown withdraws from Kids' Choice Awards
| Entertainment
|  
U2 want to rework early music
| Entertainment
|  
Tibet's Potala Palace receives protection boost  
Marvel delays The Avengers, Thor releases
| Entertainment
|  
China plans subsidies for unemployed migrants  
Jackson extends UK run to 44 gigs, fans frustrated
| Entertainment
|  
Pakistan charge protesters at march launch  
UK paper sloppy over Peaches Geldof article
| Entertainment
|  
After fighting, Sri Lanka needs devolution: India  
Two French men sentenced over child sex in Asia  
Rising navy, assertiveness behind US-China flap  
Report: NKorea indicates April satellite launch  
N.Korea to launch satellite in early April: SKorea  
Japanese economy shrank 12.1% in Q4  
Global Weather-Celsius  
Japan confirms nightmare Q4 as Asian markets fade  
NKorea says it is taking launch safety measures  
FACTBOX-South Korean measures to fight crisis  
Japan wants G20 to work together on economy  
Tourist plunge exacerbates Pakistan woes  
Icahn says talks with Lions Gate break down  
China plans subsidies for unemployed migrants  
Prince books four-night Leno gig  
China retail sales growth slows, as consumers fret  
It's a boy for Anne Heche and beau James Tupper  
HIGHLIGHTS-S.Korea central bank chief comments after rate pause  
Jack White forms yet another new band, new CD  
Jasmine Murray dismissed from 'American Idol'  
China industrial output up, retail spending weaker  
Nintendo sells 100 million DS consoles  
U2 makes 7th trip to top of U.S. album chart  
Tom Brokaw to hit the road for new TV project  
Jon Stewart, Jim Cramer to take each other on  
pedal-powered submarine for two, $70.000 price tag  
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro  
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found  
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever  
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production  
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time  
AMD to Start Production of piledriver  
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs  
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia  
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air  
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch  
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent  
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up  
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform  
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis  
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets  
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights