President Barack Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao are sounding a theme of cooperation on major issues.

But the two leaders are also displaying differences on such things as economic policy, security and human rights.

The two leaders emerged from hours of intense talks today, appearing before reporters in Beijing. Both spoke in bold terms of the growing relationship between the U.S. and China.

Obama said that relationship "goes far beyond any single issue." They emphasized cooperation on the economy, climate change, energy and to varying degrees the nuclear threats of Iran and North Korea.

But differences remained. Hu made a barbed comment about recent U.S. levies on imports of Chinese-made tires and steel, calling for a stronger joint stand against protectionism. And Obama reiterated that human rights are universal and need to be respected by all.

The two leaders' day is to end at a lavish state dinner in Obama's honor.