Clinton strikes a cooperative tone in Beijing

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Washington and Beijing would work together "to help lead the world recovery" as her first visit to China in her new political capacity came to a close, the Financial Times reported. The two nations agreed to establish a high-level dialogue focusing on the global financial crisis, climate change and security issues. Clinton, who expressed appreciation for China’s ongoing purchases of US Treasury bonds, indicated that human rights issues would take a back seat in the dialogue. Clinton met with President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on Saturday. She was scheduled to attend church on Sunday and meet with "civil society" activists before returning to Washington. Her week-long visit to Asia also took in trips to Tokyo, Jakarta and Seoul.