Obama, Xi likely to focus on common ground in meeting on sidelines of Apec

WHILE sticky issues like maritime disputes, cyber-spying and the Hong Kong protests will be on the agenda when US President Barack Obama meets with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Tuesday in Beijing, analysts say that both will likely want to focus on common ground after a year of strained ties.

Still, Washington observers are keeping their expectations low, noting that Mr Obama will be travelling with a modest agenda, seeking a more "feel good" outcome as he turns to foreign policy for a boost after the disastrous mid-term election results.

"There's been a lot of intensive high-level negotiation or meetings heading into this summit... We should not be expecting a big departure from existing US-China policy. I think they want to demonstrate that we're making progress in the relationship with China that advances American economic interests," said Dr Ely Ratner of the Centre for a New American Security.

Read the full article at The Straits Times.