MikeLigalig.com

BEIJING â€" President Barack Obama says the U.S. relationship with China is deepening beyond trade and economics to cover climate, security and other matters of international concern.

Obama spoke to reporters before starting meetings Wednesday with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. Nearing the end of his first-ever trip to China, Obama says he came determined to strengthen a vital partnership.

For his part, Wen said Obama's visit is setting the U.S.-China partnership on a better path. Said Wen: "We are really on the cusp of moving forward with this relationship."

Obama had already met extensively with Chinese President Hu Jintao on the trip. Obama was to take in some sightseeing at the Great Wall of China before departing for South Korea later Wednesday.

Accent, evidently, is on "tout", not on "deepening".