China, US pledge to expand cooperation at the 4th SED

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Source: CCTV.com | 06-18-2008 08:54

China and the United States have promised to further expand mutual cooperation at the fourth round of the Sino-US Strategic Economic Dialogue. Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan and US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson co-chaired the meeting in Annapolis.

Visiting Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan (front L) shakes hands with U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson (front R) at the opening ceremony of the 4th round of China-U.S. Strategic Economic Dialogue in Annapolis, Maryland, the United States  of America, June 17, 2008. China and the United States on  Tuesday started here their 4th round of Strategic Economic  Dialogue. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

The meeting features a series of sessions focusing on various topics, which are expected to address issues arising from the complicated nature of the current global economic and financial situation.

At the opening session, Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan emphasized the significance for both countries to enhance mutual trust and deepen economic and trade cooperation.

Wang Qishan, Chinese Vice Premier said "China and the US can not be separated from each other. The sustainable and rapid development of China's economy will offer a broad prospect for Sino-US economic and trade cooperation."

US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said the US-China economic relationship has become central to each country's interests and to maintaining a stable, secure and prosperous global economic system.

Henry Paulson, US Treasury Secretary said "The United States and China don't always agree on economic issues. Sometimes we may even disagree strongly but we keep talking. That was the purpose of establishing the SED to keep this most important and complex relationship on an even keel, even during times of tension."

The two days of talks are expected to focus on the challenges both countries face with rising energy and food costs.

The discussions highlight five specific areas: financial and macro economic management, developing and protecting human capital, the benefits of trade and open markets, enhancing investment and advancing joint opportunities for cooperation in energy and environment.

Editor:Xiong Qu