Full coverage: Xi Visits Czech Republic, Attends Nuclear Security Summit

Full coverage: China’s Leaders

Leaders and envoys from 52 countries and 4 international organizations are now in Washington for the Nuclear Security Summit. Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to deliver a speech presenting China's firm commitment and constructive approach to safeguarding radioactive materials around the world. Before that, he met his US counterpart Barack Obama.

It's Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Barack Obama's first meeting in 2016 on the sidelines of the fourth Nuclear Security Summit.

WASHINGTON D.C., March 31, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping (1st R) meets with his U.S. counterpart Barack Obama (1st L) on the sidelines of the fourth Nuclear Security Summit in Washington D.C., the United States, March 31, 2016. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Cooperation and coordination are key.

"As the largest developing country and the largest developed country, and also as the world's top two economies, China and the United States have growing responsibilities for promoting world peace, stability and prosperity. There are wide areas where we should and can work with each other," Xi said.

This is something echoed by his US counterpart.

"The United States welcomes the rise of a peaceful, stable and prosperous China, working with us to address global challenges. And I have been committed throughout my administration to working effectively with China on a whole range of issues and have developed a frank and effective level of communications and cooperation with President Xi, as we seek to expand cooperation between our countries," Obama said.

One of the important outcomes of that cooperation is the Paris Agreement reached last year. 

"I'm glad that this time, the two sides have issued the third joint statement on climate change. And we have announced that we will both sign the Paris Agreement on April 22nd," Xi said.

"I'm also very pleased that today, we're announcing new steps to accelerate implementation of the historic Paris Climate Change Agreement. Our cooperation and our joint statements were critical in arriving at the Paris agreement, and our two countries have agreed that we will not only sign the agreement on the first date possible, but we're committing to formally join it as soon as possible this year and we urge other countries to do the same," Obama said.
　
Still, differences remain, and political wisdom is needed in finding a resolution.

"In the meantime, as you have said, Mr. President, our two countries have some disputes and disagreements in some areas. On the basis of respecting each others' core interests and major concerns, we should seek active solutions through dialogue and consultation," Xi said.

President Xi reiterated China's status on the DPRK nuclear issues, saying that China insists on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and all problems should be resolved through dialogue. He also made it clear that all parties involved should stick to the resolution passed by the UN security council.

He also hopes that the US will keep its promise of not picking sides on issues surrounding the South China Sea, and play a constructive role in keeping the stability of the region.

The two leaders also covered a range of issues during the meeting, including economic cooperation, military exchanges between the two countries and fighting cyber crimes.