US, Chinese officials meet ahead of Xi`s visit

Washington: Ahead of the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping next month, American national security adviser Tom Donilon has met the top Chinese leadership to discuss host of key issues like North Korea, cyber security and rebalance of the US in the Asia-Pacific region.

Donilon travelled to Beijing on May 26 for meetings with the top Chinese leadership. "In his discussions with senior Chinese officials, Mr Donilon emphasised the need for further cooperation in addressing such issues as North Korea, cyber-security, climate change, stability in Asia as well as expanding bilateral military ties," National Security Council spokesperson Caitlin Hayden said. "Donilon stressed the need for further coordination on advancing the global economy and bilateral economic relations, as well as the importance of continued dialogue on human rights," she said. The official had constructive and broad-ranging meetings with senior Chinese officials, prominent among them being President Xi Jinping, Vice Premier Wang Yang, State Councillor Yang Jiechi, National Development and Reform Commission Vice Chairman Liu He and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. "Donilon also had a productive discussion with General Fan Changlong, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission," she said. "Donilon underscored that the upcoming meeting (between Obama and Xi) in California is a unique and important opportunity for in-depth and wide-ranging discussions on US-China ties, as well as many regional and global challenges confronting both countries.” Donilon highlighted the importance discussions on perceptions, interests and priorities guiding each other`s approach to bilateral, regional and global affairs," Hayden said in a statement. PTI