US, China to work on cyber code of conduct
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Barack Obama closed out two days of talks between U.S. and Chinese officials on Wednesday by raising concerns about Chinese cyber behavior and tensions over disputed seas of East Asia. He urged China to take action to reduce the tensions, the White House said.
Secretary of State John Kerry said China agreed to work with the U.S. to complete a code of conduct on cyber activities. He said intrusions have raised security questions and harmed U.S. businesses, and the two countries should be working together for a shared understanding of appropriate state behavior in cyberspace.
The high-level talks in Washington were a prelude to Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to the U.S. this fall, with both sides emphasizing areas of cooperation, particularly on climate change.
On Wednesday they agreed to step up cooperation on preserving the ocean and combating illegal fishing. Kerry said that shows the two nations are "working hard to address differences and to find the areas of commonality."
On the economic front, Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew said China has committed to intervene in the foreign exchange market only when necessitated by disorderly market conditions.
The U.S. has long been concerned that China's currency is undervalued against the dollar, which helps its exporters. Lew acknowledged the renminbi has appreciated in value, and China's foreign exchange intervention has declined over the past year.
But Obama made clear that problems remain as U.S. officials met with leaders of the Chinese delegation at the White House on Wednesday afternoon.
"The President raised ongoing U.S. concerns about China's cyber and maritime behavior, and he urged China to take concrete steps to lower tensions," the White House said in a statement after the meeting.
State Councilor Yang Jiechi said China cracks down on hacking and is ready to cooperate with the U.S. on cybersecurity. But he urged the U.S. to "respect facts." China has recently denied allegations it was behind a massive breach of U.S. federal personnel records
