U.S. Delegation Departure Statement

June 10, 2009

From June 7-10, a U.S. Government delegation led by Special Envoy for Climate Change Todd Stern, the President’s Science Advisor John Holdren, Assistant Secretary of Energy David Sandalow, and including representatives from the Treasury Department and the Environmental Protection Agency, travelled to Beijing for a series of high-level meetings to discuss climate and clean energy issues. 

As reflected by the composition of the U.S. delegation, the Obama Administration believes that the clean energy and climate challenges are inextricably linked.  The delegation was extremely pleased for the opportunity to have candid and constructive discussions with such a wide array of high level officials on the Chinese side, including Vice Premier Li Keqiang, State Councilor Liu Yandong, NDRC Vice Chairman Xie Zhenhua, Minister of Science and Technology Wan Gang, Director of the National Energy Administration Zhang Guobao, and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs He Yafei, as well as with other high level representatives from the government, academic, and business communities.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
 Office of the Spokesman

June 2, 2009

MEDIA NOTE

Joint Statement by Secretary Clinton and Secretary Geithner on the
U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue

Secretary Timothy F. Geithner Meets Vice Premier Wang Qishan

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner today released the following joint statement on the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue.

"As President Obama’s Special Representatives for the United States to the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, we are pleased to announce that the first meeting of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue will be held in Washington, D.C. during the last week of July 2009.

The Dialogue will focus on addressing the challenges and opportunities that both countries face on a wide range of bilateral, regional and global areas of immediate and long-term strategic interest.  Through the two days of meetings, we look forward to in-depth discussions with our Chinese counterparts to enhance the welfare of the citizens of both countries.

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THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary

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For Immediate Release               May 25, 2009

 

STATEMENT FROM THE PRESIDENT REGARDING NORTH KOREA

Today, North Korea said that it has conducted a nuclear test in violation of international law.  It appears to also have attempted a short range missile launch.  These actions, while not a surprise given its statements and actions to date, are a matter of grave concern to all nations.  North Korea⿿s attempts to develop nuclear weapons, as well as its ballistic missile program, constitute a threat to international peace and security.

By acting in blatant defiance of the United Nations Security Council, North Korea is directly and recklessly challenging the international community.  North Korea⿿s behavior increases tensions and undermines stability in Northeast Asia.  Such provocations will only serve to deepen North Korea⿿s isolation.  It will not find international acceptance unless it abandons its pursuit of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery.

The danger posed by North Korea⿿s threatening activities warrants action by the international community.  We have been and will continue working with our allies and partners in the Six-Party Talks as well as other members of the U.N. Security Council in the days ahead.

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Today, May 12, the American flag at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and U.S. Consulates throughout China will be lowered to half mast in memory of the victims of last year’s earthquake

Today, the American flag at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing and U.S. Consulates throughout China will be lowered to half mast in memory of the victims of last year’s earthquake.

Recalling the devastating earthquake that struck China’s Sichuan Province one year ago today, the thoughts of the American people remain with the Chinese people, especially those directly affected by the tragedy.  We know there is still much to be done, but we are impressed by the progress made over the last year and the strength of the people of China, particularly in Sichuan, in rebuilding their lives.

We join all those in China and around the world in marking the one year anniversary of this tragic event.

 

Daniel W. Piccuta

Chargé d'Affaires a.i.

 

 

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary

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President Obama meets with Chinese President Hu Jintao, AP Images

For Immediate Release                                May 6, 2009

READOUT ON THE PRESIDENT’S CALL WITH CHINESE PRESIDENT HU JINTAO 

President Obama spoke with Chinese President Hu this morning and discussed ways to enhance cooperation on the global economy and health issues. The two leaders also discussed regional security issues.  President Obama described to President Hu his concerns over recent actions by North Korea and threats to Pakistan by militant extremists and terrorists.  The two leaders agreed to stay in close touch with each other on these important issues.

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