Presidents Hu, Obama Speak About Clean Energy, Increased International Cooperation

Speaking after today's meetings with President Obama, China's President Hu said that, "The two sides [China and the US] have also officially launched the initiative of developing a China, US clean energy research center."

At home this means increased economic pressure on Big Coal. China is a growing consumer of coal globally, with lower emission standards than those adopted by the US. In the big picture, China is the largest hurdle for the Green crowd, having surpassed the United States in use at 1,310,000,000 short tons of coal per year.

This is a turn from China's previous stance on energy development, where the main argument seemed to be that the West had built itself on coal, which is cheap and reliable, and now sought to deprive undeveloped countries of the same easy access to cheap energy for manufacturing.

Obama said that the two countries are looking for a comprehensive deal to announce at next month's climate change summit that will "rally the world."

President Hu emphasized China's interest in non-proliferation of nuclear arms, saying that resolving the Iranian and Korean nuclear issues through dialog and negotiations "Serves the common interest of China, the United States, and other parties concerned."

He finished by stressing the importance of the relationship between the two nations, "Sustained sound and steady growth of this relationship to the greater benefits of the people's of our two countries, and people around the world."

Obama praised China for what he termed a critical partnership in our "Effort to pull ourselves out of the worst recession in generations."

The two agreed to pursue policy changes to help balance economic growth. The aims are to help America save more, and spend less, while at the same time, China agrees to pursue policies to spur domestic demand for products.

Obama claimed that this will lead to "Increased US exports and jobs on the one hand, and higher living standards in China on the other."

Interests diverged when it came to human rights. Hu wants the US to respect China on "core" issues, a reference to China's differences with the US over human interest issues in Taiwan and with the deposed leader of Tibet, the Dalai Lama.

Obama, meanwhile, pushed for a sterner stance from China regarding Iran, saying that if Iran fails to take its opportunity to demonstrate peaceful intentions, that "There will be consequences."

Beijing has demonstrated unwillingness to be harsh with Tehran, due in large part to significant economic ties between the two nations.