Obama presses Xi Jinping to crack down on cyber attacks

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• JUDY WOODRUFF:

  But, first, climate change was also a top priority at the White House today, when President Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping found common ground. But important issues still divide them.

  It was President Xi's first state visit to Washington, and it began with all the pageantry the White House can muster.

• PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA:

  On behalf of the American people, welcome to the United States.

• JUDY WOODRUFF:

  The leaders of the world's two largest economies headlined cooperation on climate change.

• PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA:

  Today, I want to commend China for announcing that it will begin a national market-based cap-and-trade system to limit emissions from some of its largest sectors.

• JUDY WOODRUFF:

  There was also formal agreement to clamp down on cyber-attacks. President Xi said confrontation on the issue is not the right choice.

• PRESIDENT XI JINPING, China (through interpreter):

  China and the United States should strengthen dialogue and cooperation. And both governments will not engage in or knowingly support online theft of intellectual properties.

• JUDY WOODRUFF:

  But Mr. Obama said China must make good on its promises, or the U.S. could consider new sanctions.

• PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA:

  What I have said to President Xi and what I say to the American people is, the question now is, are words followed by actions?

• JUDY WOODRUFF:

  Beijing's aggressive territorial claims in the South China Sea also loomed large in today's discussions. President Xi called again for cooperation, even as he defended his nation's actions.

• PRESIDENT XI JINPING (through interpreter):

  China is committed to the path of peaceful development and a foreign policy characterized by good neighborliness and partnership with our neighbors. Islands in the South China Sea since ancient times are China's territory. We have the right to uphold our territorial sovereignty and lawful and legitimate maritime rights and interests.

• JUDY WOODRUFF:

  The Chinese leader likewise gave no ground on his nation's human rights policies, saying, countries have different historical processes and realities.

  President Xi's visit to Washington culminates tonight with a formal state dinner at the White House.