US rules out emergence of G-2 countries

Washington, Dec 3: The US has ruled out the emergence of G-2 or grouping of two countries --- the US and China –-- and said that it is G-20, which can collectively address the challenges being faced by the world.

"The US continues to see the G-20 as the most relevant and effective body for confronting many of the economic challenges around the globe, and we have found that to be a useful mechanism for addressing some of these issues," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters yesterday.

Earnest was responding to a question on is the group of two countries US and China able to resolve global issues including climate change.

"What's also true though, on the issue of climate change, when you have the world's two largest emitters stepping forward one year in advance of climate negotiations to make substantial commitments about cutting carbon pollution and fighting climate change, there is no denying that that catalysed commitments from countries all around the world. It catalysed the process and that was a really good thing," he said.

"Coming into the Paris talks, we've seen commitments from more than 180 countries now to fighting climate change and that does represent what impact the US and China can have when we're able to work together in pursuit of a shared goal, in this case, cutting carbon pollution, fighting climate change and saving the planet," he said.

"We are hopeful that there will be additional opportunities for US and China to work together," he added. "As you know, President Obama has said this both in public settings and in private settings with his -- with (Chinese) President Xi, that the US welcomes a rising China, and a rising China that is committed to assuming the international responsibilities that come along with a growing economic power," the White House Press Secretary said.

The commitments that China has made in the context of climate change, are a great example of how that influence can be used to advance the interests of China, but also to advance the interests of the global community, Earnest said. Obama, he said, has been raising the issue of cybersecurity with his Chinese counterpart.

"The issue of cybersecurity was raised in their conversations. This continues to be a top priority of the President Obama in terms of our relationship with China," he said.

"We believe there's an opportunity for us to build on the commitment that President Xi made when he visited the White House earlier this fall, that the Chinese government will not conduct or knowingly support cyber-enabled economic espionage for commercial gain," he said.

"This is a commitment that the US government has made for some time and one that we abide by. We certainly welcome the Chinese commitment to this principle as well," Earnest said.

PTI