David Jackson

USA TODAY

WASHINGTON — Despite ongoing disputes over cyber espionage, intellectual property, and the South China Sea, the United States and China struck deals Thursday on nuclear security and climate change.

The two nations agreed to sign the new global climate change agreement on April 22, the day it becomes operational; the agreement reached in Paris late last year calls on countries to develop plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"We're committing to formally join it as soon as possible this year, and we urge other countries to do the same," President Obama said before meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the bi-annual nuclear security summit.

As for that topic, the United States and China issued a joint statement pledging more cooperation on efforts to improve the storage and security of nuclear material in an effort to prevent nuclear terrorism.

Praising China's newly created "Nuclear Security Center of Excellence," Obama said that "I believe we can deepen our cooperation, including against nuclear smuggling."

Obama said the United States and China are also working together on other counter-terrorism measures and efforts to address the threats of North Korea's nuclear program.

The president pledged "candid" exchanges about various disputes with China, including human rights and allegations that it has engaged in intellectual property theft and cyber espionage against the United States. Obama also cited "maritime" disputes, an apparent reference to Chinese territorial claims and military activity in the South China Sea that have caused friction with neighboring nations.

Obama meets with Asian leaders about North Korea nuke threat

"We have deep concerns about our ability to protect the intellectual property of our companies," Obama said. "And we care deeply about human rights."

Xi, who also cited "disputes and disagreements" with the United States, has denied accusations of cyber espionage and intellectual property theft.

While Xi said the two nations should "seek active solutions through dialogue and consultation," he acknowledged that won't always be possible. In those cases, he said, the United States and China should manage problems "constructively, and avoid misunderstanding and mis-perception or escalation."

The Chinese president pledged cooperation on an array of global economic and security issues.

"The world economic growth is sluggish, and regional issues are complex and protracted," Xi said at one point. "The terrorist threat is on the rise."

Obama made a similar pledge, noting that China will host a G-20 summit of nations later this year.

"As I've said before," Obama said, "the United States welcomes the rise of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous China, working with us to address global challenges."