WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama, wrapping up a 47-nation nuclear security summit, said Tuesday he is confident China will join other nations in pressing for tough new sanctions on Iran for continuing to defy the international community in seeking nuclear weapons.
"Words have to mean something. There have to be some consequences," Obama told reporters at a news conference at the conclusion of the two-day gathering.
He was asked about China's reluctance in the past to join other major nations in backing tough sanctions.
Chinese President Hu Jintao on Tuesday gave a speech to the group calling for "effective" measures to safeguard nuclear weapons and materials but stopped short of mentioning Iran's program.
Hu and Obama met for 90 minutes on Monday after which U.S. officials said the two agreed to tell their aides to work on a tough new sanctions program. However, a Chinese spokesman did not mention sanctions in his description of the meeting.
