(ROUGH CUT ONLY - NO REPORTER NARRATION)<br/> <br />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.<br/> <br />Hu welcomed Clinton in the Great Hall of the People before the two sat down for talks.<br/> <br />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".<br/> <br />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.<br/> <br />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.
