Hu focuses on Taiwan in conversation with Obama

China’s President Hu Jintao told US President-elect Barack Obama that the proper handling of the Taiwan issue would be of benefit to Sino-US relations, Reuters reported. The comments were made during a telephone conversation between the two men, according to state media reports released on Sunday. Obama is said to have told Hu that the Sino-US relationship "is the most vital relationship on today’s international stage." The Chinese leader’s emphasis on Taiwan mirrors the official message China issued to Obama following his election victory, which also urged him to halt the sale of US$6.5 billion in arms to the island. During his election campaign Obama expressed support for Washington’s plan to sell the arms, including attack helicopters and missiles. Beijing has vehemently denounced the plan, calling on Washington to end all military exchanges with Taipei.