US President Barack Obama says US foreign policy will always emphasize human rights.

President Obama was speaking during a public discussion with Chinese students in Shanghai. He said the United States does not want to force its system of government on anyone, but human rights like freedom of speech and worship are universal values.
 

He added that he was impressed by recent developments in China, particularly in the economic arena, and that major gobal challenges can only be solved if the United States and China are in agreement.
 

President Obama is travelling to Beijing where he will have talks on Tuesday with his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao. They will discuss bilateral economic relations, North Korea and Iran's nuclear programmes and climate change.
 

Later in the week the US president will continue his Asian tour with a visit to South Korea.