President Barack Obama said he would fight to ensure U.S. exporters had a level playing field to compete for world trade, and named China as a vital market where Americans were keen to sell.

"Our discussions with China are addressing the important challenge of how to create a more level playing field for American companies seeking to expand their access to the growing Chinese market," Obama said in remarks prepared for delivery at an event to highlight a drive for U.S. exports.

Obama also repeated he "welcomed China's decision to allow its currency to appreciate in response to market forces," which Washington says will help make U.S. exports more competitive. (Reuters)