The United States and China: Two World Powers to Meet in California

Two of the most powerful and influential leaders in the world will meet this June 7 to 8 in California in a summit that aims to provide an opportunity for the two world powers to strengthen their bonds and address incumbent issues between their countries as well.

President Barack Obama will be meeting up with Mr. Xi Jinping, who was elected President of China just this March. According to the White House, both leaders will be discussing topics ranging from regional and global issues. No specifics were given on what the two leaders are actually going to discuss.

United States and China relations

The United States has always had a good relationship with the Chinese government. In fact, President Obama has visited China a couple of times in the past. His last visit was in 2009 which lasted for four days. The President even took his last day to see the incomparable Great Wall of China. Pres. Xi on the other hand also had his fair share in experiencing America first hand. He was not a stranger to the United States since he spent a lot of time there as a young man. His last visit was in 2012, when he came to Washington as Vice-President of China.

For stability in the region

According to Qin Gang, the spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the meeting of the two leaders is very important for the continuous stability of their country in the years to come. If the United States and China relations are in good standing, this would definitely bring peace and economic prosperity since both nations are helping another in reaching their goals. The White House has also expressed the importance of this meeting since there are many things that need to be clarified between the two countries.

The meeting of both leaders was not expected to be set this early since they were originally targeted to meet this coming September on another summit. However, Presidents Obama and Xi has already spoken to one another via telephone since Pres. Xi was elected leader of the second biggest economy in the world and Barack Obama was re-elected as president of the U.S.

According to the White House, the two presidents are going to discuss ways to improve cooperation with each other while formally setting aside whatever differences are in the way in a peaceful manner.

Urgent matters that need to be discussed

Even though the issues and matters were not clearly given out on the upcoming summit this June, it is evident enough that the two presidents will discuss the rising tension regarding North Korea’s progressive testing of nuclear materials. The issue regarding Syria in which the U.S is continuously asking for China’s help would be included in their agenda as well.

There is also the issue regarding China’s involvement in cyber attacks on some U.S. companies. China has however denied this allegation and claims to be the victim of computer hackers wanting to tarnish U.S and China relations.

Reports also indicate that issues regarding China and other South East Asian countries would be among the topics the summit will definitely not miss to deliberate. China has been recently involved in overlapping territorial claims which gives tension both in South and East China seas.

Photo Credits:
Pres Obama at the Forbidden City
Pres Xi Jinping of China