From yuan devaluation to cybersecurity: Smiling Xi Jinping tackles key strains in Sino-US ties
President sets tone for state visit, mixing pledges and personal anecdotes in speech to reassure his hosts at a critical time for bilateral relations
President Xi Jinping sought to reassure his American hosts in a speech yesterday that addressed almost all of the issues that are straining bilateral ties, ranging from devaluation of the yuan to foreign investment, and even offered to cooperate on the thorniest issue of cybersecurity.
In a 35-minute speech meshing personal anecdotes and references to popular American culture with lofty pledges, a self-assured Xi set the tone for his week-long visit, which comes at a critical moment for relations between the countries. He called for the two powers to avoid misjudging each other's strategic intentions.
In a rare admission, he also said the Communist Party faced corruption problems and denied there was a power struggle behind his anti-graft campaign. He said the situation was no House of Cards, referring to the American political drama in which actor Kevin Spacey schemes and cheats his way to the presidency.
Addressing an audience of 650 business executives and others in Seattle, Xi defended his government's policies on a wide range of issues - from economic reform and its treatment of foreign non-governmental organisations to internet hacking - that are expected to be raised during his meetings in Washington.