The US and China voiced support for the improvement in Indo-Pak ties and their readiness to promote peace and stability in the region. A joint statement issued at the conclusion of President Barrack Obama's talks with his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao listed the situation in South Asia among regional and global challenges.<br/><br/>The statement said the two countries "support the improvement and growth of relations between India and Pakistan," and are ready to "strengthen communication, dialogue and cooperation on issues related to South Asia and work together to promote peace, stability and development in that region.’<br/><br/>The reference to Indo-Pak ties is rather unusual. The previous instance of India figuring in a similar statement by the US and China was way back in 1998 when then American President Bill Clinton visited China. The Sino-US joint statement then had references to India's Pokhran nuclear tests.<br/><br/>Meanwhile, in a delicate balancing act, Obama also supported early resumption of talks between Beijing and the Dalai Lama's representatives while describing Tibet as part of China.<br/><br/>