US President Barack Obama shakes hands with his Chinese opposite number Xi Jinping in Rancho Mirage, California, on June 7, 2013.
The United States and Chinaâ„¢s presidents have opened their first summit, urging a new approach to create relations between a rising Beijing and Washington.
US President Barack Obama and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping opened a weekend of secluded talks on Friday in California in a move to initiate a partnership between the two nations.
The US president expressed hope that Beijing and Washington could Å“forge a new model of cooperation between countries.”
Obama also pointed to cyber attacks allegedly waged by Chinaâ„¢s government and military against the US government and corporate networks. The issue reportedly tops the agenda in Xiâ„¢s two-day visit
Å“President Xi and I recognize that, because of the incredible advances of technology, the issue of cybersecurity and the need for rules, and common approaches to security, have become increasingly important,” Obama said.
He further said it was important that the two countries Å“arrive at a firm understanding,” regarding the issue.
Meanwhile, Xi said that the government of China is firm Å“in upholding cybersecurity and we have major concerns about cybersecurity,” adding that recent media coverage Å“might give people the sense that cybersecurity as a threat mainly comes from China.”
The Chinese president also referred to the issue of Sino-US ties, saying, Å“We’re meeting here today to chart the future of China-US relations and draw a blueprint for this relationship.”
Speaking at a security forum in Singapore attended by top Chinese military officials on June 1, US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said, Å“The United States has expressed our concerns about the growing threat of cyber intrusions, some of which appear to be tied to the Chinese government and military.”
Hagel also said that Washington is determined to work closely with China and other countries Å“to establish international norms of responsible behaviour in cyberspace.”
The remarks came after Chinaâ„¢s Defense Ministry on May 30 condemned a US report that alleged Chinese hackers had gained access to designs of over two dozen major US weapons systems.
MR/NN
This article originally appeared on: Press TV