Praise for progress but military and rights draw frowns
A top American diplomat has presented a rosy overview of Washington-Beijing relations to a congressional commission, saying China's role in the world is largely positive.
Thomas Christensen, deputy assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs with responsibility for China, Taiwan and Mongolia, said the US government's policy was to encourage China to be a 'responsible stakeholder' on the world stage.
'We're doing well and there's reason to be optimistic,' he testified on Thursday before the US - China Economic and Security Review Commission.
'The most positive example I can think of is co-operation with China on the North Korea issue.'
Mr Christensen noted in particular Beijing's support for a recent UN Security Council resolution condemning Pyongyang for launching a series of missiles, and its constructive role in the six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear programme.