Obama, Xi to meet at nuclear summit, to discuss SCS tensions

Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet with his US counterpart Barack Obama on the sidelines of the fourth Nuclear Security Summit in Washington next week to discuss several issues including increasing friction between the two countries over the disputed South China Sea.
"This bilateral meeting will present an opportunity to advance US-China cooperation on a range of issues of mutual interest, while also enabling President Obama and President Xi to address areas of disagreement constructively," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said.
Heads of states from over 40 countries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will attend the two-day Nuclear Security Summit in Washington on March 31 and April 1.

"It will be the first meeting between the two heads of state this year. It will be of great significance in advancing the bilateral relationship in a sustained and stable way," Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong said at a briefing on Xi's upcoming trip.
The meeting is regarded significant as it provides an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss bilateral tensions over the South China Sea, where the US is challenging China's claims by sending its naval ships and aircraft.
Li said Xi will also meet with other state leaders on the sidelines of the summit to exchange views on bilateral relations as well as international and regional issues of common concern.

Prior to attending the summit, Xi will make a state visit to the Czech Republic from March 28 to 30 at the invitation of Czech President Milos Zeman.