China president warns US on Tibet, Taiwan
Chinese President Hu Jintao yesterday warned the United States to respect Beijing's sovereignty over Taiwan and Tibet but assured that his country had no interest in engaging in an arms race.
Hu repeatedly urged "mutual respect" and cooperation between the Pacific powers as he delivered a policy speech on a state visit in which his hosts have repeatedly pressed him about human rights.
At a luncheon with senior officials and business leaders, Hu said that Taiwan and Tibet "concern China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and they represent China's core interests."
"A review of the history of our relations tells us that US-China relations will enjoy smooth and steady growth when the two countries handle well issues involving each other's major interests," Hu said.
"Otherwise our relations will suffer constant trouble or even tension," he warned.
Obama, at a joint news conference with Hu on Wednesday, had urged China to engage in talks with the Dalai Lama, Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, although he reaffirmed the US view that the Himalayan territory is part of China.
The United States and its allies, particularly Japan, have repeatedly voiced concern about China's double-digit growth of military spending. China tested a stealth fighter this month just as US Defence Secretary Robert Gates visited.
Hu dismissed concerns, saying: "We do not engage in arms races or pose a military threat to any country."
"We do not engage in arms races, or pose a military threat to any country. China will never seek hegemony or pursue an expansionist policy," Hu said.
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