Beijing:
It was a perfect picture of solidarity as US president Barack Obama and the Chinese President Hu Jintao shared the stage on Tuesday. But in the tightrope walk that defines US-China ties, the differences were there for all to see.
What stood out was President Obama's polite message telling Beijing to talk to the Dalai Lama's people.
Obama said both countries are looking for a comprehensive deal during next month's climate change summit in Copenhagen, but there were no concrete assurances from Beijing.
The Chinese President called on America to respect China's "core interests" - that's code for ending support for Taiwan and the Dalai Lama.
Obama did oblige by saying Tibet was part of China, but urged China to restart talks with the Dalai Lama's representatives.
"While we recognise that Tibet is part of the People's Republic of China, the United States supports the early resumption of dialogue between the Chinese government and representatives of the Dalai Lama to resolve any concerns and differences that the two sides may have," Obama said.
"During the talks I underlined to President Obama that given our differences in national conditions it is only normal that our two sides may disagree on some issues. What is important is to respond in bold terms of the growing relationship between the countries," Chinese President Hu Jintao said.
In the end it's been a balancing act for the US President - from talking to Beijing as a partner to gently chiding them on human rights and free speech.