The two leaders spoke¹ of overcoming differences and forging a new relationship between their countries.

 

President Obama spoke of "areas of tension" and mentioned their rivalry² in the Pacific, North Korea's nuclear ambitions, and cyber espionage（间谍，刺探）.

 

The meeting is the first between the two since Mr Xi became president in March. 

 

The informal setting is seen as a chance for the leaders of the world's largest economies to build a rapport³ amid a slew⁴ of high-stakes issues.

 

The two men - looking relaxed and informal - met and shook hands under a shaded walkway at the Sunnylands estate just outside Palm Springs. 

 

"Our decision to meet so early (in Mr Xi's term) signifies the importance of the US-China relationship," Mr Obama said.

 

He said the US welcomed the rise of a peaceful China and wanted "economic order where nations are playing by the same rules".

 

He also called for both countries to work together to tackle cyber security.

 

"Inevitably⁵ there are areas of tension between our countries," he added.

 

Mr Xi said he and Mr Obama were meeting "to chart the future of China-US relations and draw a blueprint⁶ for this relationship".

 

He added: "The vast Pacific Ocean has enough space for two large countries like the United States and China."

 

US lawmakers and human rights groups have also urged Mr Obama to call for the release of 16 high-profile prisoners, including jailed Nobel peace laureate Liu Xiaobo. 

 

Mr Xi's US stop is the fourth leg of a trip that has taken him to Trinidad and Tobago, Costa Rica and Mexico.

 

Accompanied by his wife - folk singer Peng Liyuan - he arrived at California's Ontario International Airport on Thursday.

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