( AP ) - President Bush and Chinese President Hu Jintao tackled contentious issues on Thursday, from climate change and Iran to recalls of China-made food and products and individual freedoms in China.
"He's an easy man to talk to. I'm very comfortable in my discussions with President Hu," Bush said after a face-to-face meeting that lasted about 90 minutes on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific economic summit.
Hu called the discussion "candid and friendly," even though it touched on deep U.S.-Chinese differences.
Bush said he shared with Hu the U.S. concerns about religious freedom and religious liberty in China, and also the recent rash of defective China-made products and tainted food subject to recalls. Hu "was quite articulate about product safety and I appreciated his comments," Bush said.
The two did not take questions after their session, but both spoke briefly with reporters.
Bush said he was "anxious to accept" Hu's invitation to attend the 2008 Olympics in China.
Hu said their talks took place in a "friendly atmosphere."
"We both expressed a desire to work toward further development and growth of the business and commercial ties to our two countries," said the Chinese leader.
"We also talked about climate change. We believe that the issue of climate change bears on the welfare of the whole humanity and sustainable development of the whole world. And this issue should be ... tackled through a stronger international cooperation," Hu said.