Chinese President Xi Jinping said Tuesday that China and the United States could work together to address cyber crimes, a problem that has sparked mutual tension.
Xi's statement came shortly after leaders from both countries signed an agreement to advance renewable energy and clean technologies to combat climate change.
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Xi, in a speech in Seattle at the end of the first day of his official visit to this country, also said China would continue its policy of aggressive development to help more Chinese people "live a better life."
Striking agreements to ensure continued robust international trade was a top priority, he said. "China will never close its open door to the outside world," Xi said, according to a translation of his remarks.
He said China was a staunch defender of cyber security, but it had also been a victim of hacking.
Acknowledging that China and the United States don't always see eye to eye, Xi said China is ready to set up a joint effort with the United States to fight cyber crimes.
The issue of cyber attacks is a sensitive one between the two nations. American officials say hacking attacks originating from China are approaching epidemic levels.
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