US strikes conciliatory tone for smoother ties

BEIJING - The United States has struck placatory notes after months of tensions in its relations with China, with President Barack Obama stressing the need for the two powers to "work together" on critical global issues.

During a Monday meeting with Zhang Yesui, Beijing's new ambassador to Washington, Obama said the US wanted to "further develop" a positive relationship with China, the White House said.

Obama "also stressed the need for the United States and China to work together and with the international community on critical global issues including non-proliferation and pursuing sustained and balanced global growth," said the statement issued by White House spokesman Robert Gibbs.