China's heir apparent says Beijing welcomes increasing US influence in Asia-Pacific The USA Times

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Tuesday, May 22, 2012

China's heir apparent says Beijing welcomes increasing US influence in Asia-Pacific

(AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

WASHINGTON - Visiting Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping is assuring American business leaders that Beijing welcomes U.S. efforts to assert influence in the Asia-Pacific region, but he says Washington must also respect the interests and concerns of China in its own neighbourhood.

Xi is in line to be China's next leader. He says the world's two largest economies, in his words, "should respect each other's core interests and major concerns."

He spoke to the U.S.-China Business Council on Wednesday before leaving for stops in Iowa and the West Coast.

Xi also said the two sides need to increase mutual understanding and trust - and reduce suspicions and distrust.

As for recent moves by the Obama administration to assert a more robust role in the Asia-Pacific region, Xi said China welcomes "a positive role" by the United States. But he added, "We hope at the same time, the United States will respect the interests and the concerns of China."