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U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met Chinese President Hu Jintao on Wednesday (September 5), as part of a Beijing visit that will test her diplomacy amid maritime disputes and a sensitive political transition.

Hu welcomed Clinton in the Great Hall of the People before the two sat down for talks.

In opening remarks, Clinton said the US-China relationship was "on a strong and solid base," and that the two countries were "able to explore areas of agreement and disagreement in a very open manner," which "demonstrates the maturity of the relationship and the chance to take it further in the future".

Beijing and Washington have both stressed hopes for steady ties, especially as they confront domestic political hurdles. But the tensions in the South China Sea have emerged as a persistent irritant, reflecting suspicions in Beijing that the Obama administration is seeking to rein in Chinese influence.

Clinton has pledged to deliver a strong message to Beijing this week on the need to calm regional tensions over disputed islands that have raised broader fears of military friction between the two major Pacific powers.