Obama presses next China leader Xi Jinping on 'rules'

US President Barack Obama and Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (L) speak during meetings in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC.

WASHINGTON,February 15,2012(AFP)-United States President Barack Obama on Tuesday urged China to play by the 'same rules' in the global economy but voiced hope for cooperation in a key introductory meeting with leader-in-waiting Xi Jinping.

China's vice president, who is expected to take the helm next year, largely focused on the positive on his closely watched US visit. He pledged in general terms that China would improve its widely criticised record on human rights.

Mr Xi made the rounds in Washington as Tibetans and others staged noisy protests outside most venues. At the Pentagon, he was given a rare honour ceremony with a 19-gun salute and booming cannons.

Mr Obama, welcoming Mr Xi to the Oval Office, said that Washington welcomed a 'prosperous' China and praised its 'extraordinary development over the last two decades,' but stressed that power came with 'increased responsibilities.' 'We want to work with China to make sure that everybody is working by the same rules of the road when it comes to the world economic system,' Mr Obama said alongside a relaxed-looking Mr Xi, as senior aides and translators stood by.

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