Obama disappointed with China over Snowden

David Jackson | USA TODAY

China's decision to let Edward Snowden fly from Hong Kong to Russia last month is still resented in Washington.

The White House made to sure to mention the case of National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden in the readout of a meeting Thursday between President Obama and Chinese officials.

"The President expressed his disappointment and concern with China's handling of the Snowden case," said the White House.

Snowden remains in Russia, trying to fly to a country that will give him political asylum.

Allegations of cybertheft between the two countries also surfaced during the White House meeting that came in connection with the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue.

The White House statement:

"The President met today with China's Special Representatives to the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, Vice Premier Wang Yang and State Councilor Yang Jiechi.

The President underscored the importance of increasing practical cooperation on regional and global challenges while constructively managing our differences and areas of competition. The President discussed the economic reforms underway in China and their compatibility with policies the Administration is pursuing at home.

He also welcomed China's important new commitment to open its economy to U.S. investment in a bilateral investment treaty that it is negotiating with the United States.

The President and the Chinese Special Representatives agreed on the fundamental importance of de-nuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and welcomed efforts to deepen cooperation to achieve that shared goal.

The President reiterated concerns about cyber-enabled theft of trade secrets, and welcomed joint efforts to develop rules and norms of behavior in cyberspace.

The President urged China to manage its maritime disputes with its neighbors peacefully, without the use of intimidation or coercion. He added that the United States would continue to speak out in support of international norms such as the protection of universal human rights.

The President expressed his disappointment and concern with China's handling of the Snowden case.