On January 30, 2009, Chinese President Hu Jintao held a telephone conversation with his U.S. counterpart Barack Obama.

Hu first congratulated Obama on his inauguration as U.S. president and extended to him Chinese lunar new year greetings and best wishes. Hu also expressed condolences over the recent snow storm that had been blanketing the midsection of the United States. Hu emphasized that in the new historical period, China is ready to work with the U.S. side to firmly grasp the general direction of bilateral ties, strengthen dialogue, promote mutual trust and expand cooperation in a bid to confront various global challenges together and push forward a stable development of the Sino-U.S. relationship. Hu said the core interest of either country should be respected by each other and taken into consideration.

Obama said the U.S. government is ready to make joint efforts with the Chinese side to develop a more active and constructive bilateral relationship, adding that both sides share a lot of common interests. Describing the Sino-U.S. ties as the most important bilateral relations for both sides, Obama said enhancing bilateral constructive dialogue and cooperation is in the interest of not only the two countries themselves, but the world at large. The U.S. side is expecting closer cooperation with China on major international and regional issues, he said.

Hu expressed appreciation for Obama’s remarks.

As the contagious financial crisis is still producing severe influence to national economies and people's lives, the international community should strengthen coordination and promote closer cooperation to stand up to the challenge, Hu said. Hu Jintao said China acknowledged U.S. efforts in stabilizing the financial market and stimulating the economy, adding that China is willing to further strengthen communication and coordination with the U.S. side in macroeconomic policies, and firmly oppose trade and investment protectionism. Hu said China will join hands with the United States to work toward fruitful achievements in April's Group of 20 (G20) summit in London and promote healthy and stable development of the world economy and finance.

Obama said it is crucial for the United States and China, the two most important economies, to enhance cooperation. The U.S. side looked forward to cooperating with the Chinese side on bilateral and multilateral occasions to stabilize world economy, address the global financial crisis and oppose trade protectionism.

Both sides exchanged visit invitations. The two leaders agreed to meet in the Group of 20 (G20) summit slated for April in London.

Both sides also exchanged views on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, the Iranian nuclear issue and how to address climate change.