China's Hu Hints At Tough Negotiations With US - RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty

Ahead of a state visit to Washington later this week, Chinese President Hu Jintao said his country and the United States have "sensitive issues" and differences that need to be properly managed.

Hu gave written comments to questions from "The Washington Post" and "Wall Street Journal."

Hu said, without referring to any specific issue, that China and the U.S. need to "keep to the right direction in the development of our relations."

Hu also spoke about tensions on the Korean Peninsula, saying that he sees "signs of a relaxation" between North and South Korea "thanks to joint efforts by China and other parties."

Hu is due to arrive in the United States on January 18.

compiled from agency reports