BOSTON (AP) – The U.S. and China are pledging to overcome mistrust, manage their differences and cooperate on key issues like combatting terrorism and the spread of the Ebola virus ahead of President Barack Obama’s upcoming trip to the Chinese capital.
Meeting in Boston on Saturday, Secretary of State John Kerry and Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi (yahng jay-uh-CHUR’) said the relationship between the two countries is mature enough to discuss disagreements while building on areas of shared interest. Washington and Beijing have recently clashed over matters including territorial disputes between China and its neighbors in the South China Sea and pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong.
Kerry is hosting Yang in his hometown for two days of discussions as Obama prepares to travel to Beijing for a summit of Asia-Pacific leaders in November.