Clinton: US and China can “help lead world recovery”

21/02/09 12:22 CET

world news

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Hillary Clinton says Washington and Beijing could help the world recover from the financial crisis by working together.

The comments from the American Secretary of State come on the fourth and final leg of her tour of Asia. She said: “The United States is committed to pursuing a positive, cooperative relationship with China, one that we believe is important for the future peace, progress and prosperity for both countries and for the world.” Clinton stressed how interconnected their two economies have become. The US is one of the largest buyers of Chinese exports, while China is the world’s largest holder of US government debt. The Secretary of State says Washington will press Beijing on human rights, but this will not stop them from working together on a range of issues. Observers say she has taken a softer line on Chinese political and religious freedoms, compared to a critical speech she gave back in 1995 on the issue.More about: China, USA

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Mali: Rebel groups agree to creation of Islamic state

Two Rebel groups have agreed to merge and create an independent Islamic state in Northern Mali. After seizing Azawad – an area larger than France – two months ago, the groups had initially disagreed, with the secular Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA)…