'New journey' begins with warm words

The first China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue began on a relaxed and friendly note on Monday with leaders from both countries using wisdom from one another's cultures in their opening remarks.

While admitting he did not have the fluent Putonghua of Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, who is likely to become the US ambassador to China, US President Barack Obama displayed a knowledge of Chinese history when he quoted ancient Chinese philosopher Mencius during his welcoming address in the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, DC.

"A trail through the mountains, if used, becomes a path in a short time, but, if unused, becomes blocked by grass in an equally short time," Obama said. "Our task is to forge a path to the future that we seek for our children - to prevent mistrust or the inevitable differences of the moment from allowing that trail to be blocked by grass; to always be mindful of the journey that we are undertaking together."