Hu Jintao calls for 'deeper engagement' with US

Washington, Jan 21 (ANI): Chinese President Hu Jintao has called for deeper engagement with the United States to solve a number of issues that have hampered bilateral ties between both countries.

"It is only normal that we have some disagreements and frictions. But the two sides should manage them with a sense of responsibility to history and to the future," the Washington Post quoted Hu, as saying.

During his 22-minute speech, Hu stressed on security, economic and social issues that define the relationship between what the Chinese leader described as the world's largest developed and developing countries.

The paper quoted Hu as saying that China's policies would bring more focus to promoting "social equity and justice," and his country would remain committed to upholding a policy of reform and "opening up," including an economy that US President Barack Obama hopes will buy more U.S. exports in the coming years.

He further claimed that economic growth remains the key to his goal of creating a "modern socialist country."

Besides these issues, Hu listed several proposals for broadening the relationship between the two economic powers, including the exchanges of students, scientists and cultural leaders that Obama has also sought to expand. He stressed that the exchanges were important to promote better understanding between American and Chine youths.

Despite gaining huge achievements in the economic sector, Hu claimed that China is still a developing country and is way behind achieving national goals, adding: "We still have a long way to go before we achieve our national development goals." (ANI)