China wants U.S. reset over Asia-Pacific

WASHINGTON, July 11 (UPI) -- A new relationship with the United States needs to be centered on policies in the Asia-Pacific region, Chinese envoy Yang Jiechi said in Washington Thursday.

U.S. and Chinese diplomats are meeting for a strategic and economic dialogue. The summit follows a June meeting in California between Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Barack Obama.

The California talks focused on concerns related to North Korea's nuclear weapons program. The U.S. military last year started shifting its strategic focus to the Asia-Pacific region as military obligations in the Middle East ended.

Yang, a Chinese security adviser, said both sides during talks Thursday pursued options meant to add a layer of trust to their bilateral strategic affairs in the region, China's official Xinhua News Agency reported.

U.S. officials who briefed reporters on background said meetings in Washington "got off to a very good start."

Commentary this week from Xinhua said bilateral talks should extend beyond immediate concerns about cyberespionage. The U.S. Defense Department accused the Chinese military of targeting sensitive defense systems early this year.

U.S. officials said there were "candid conversations" about cybersecurity raised during talks with visiting Chinese delegates. A senior administration official said talks on cyberissues were "very positive and constructive."