Clinton, Hu Meet, Promise Closer Ties

Chinese President Hu Jintao met with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Beijing Saturday amid calls for closer ties between the nations, officials said.

Hu and Clinton said the need to deepen and develop ties between China and the United States is becoming ever more important, Xinhua, the official Chinese news agency, reported.

Hu reportedly said Clinton's inaugural visit to China and other parts of Asia on her first foreign trip since taking office reflects the importance the Obama administration puts on developing relations with China and other Asian countries.

Clinton told reporters she had "very good meetings" with Chinese officials during her visit, saying it was the beginning of "a new era" of Sino-U.S. relations, Xinhua reported.

Earlier in the day, Clinton and her Chinese counterpart, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, issued a statement after the two met for bilateral talks saying the two countries have agreed to more closely coordinate their efforts to fight the economic crisis, climate change, energy, environment and other issues.

In the statement, Clinton said both countries have established "a solid foundation" for the relationship, citing bilateral cooperation in economy and trade.

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