The fifth China-U.S. strategic economic dialogue (SED) opened on December 4th at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.  Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan and U.S. Tresury Secretatry Henry Paulson co-chaired the meeting as respective special convoys to their heads of state. 

Under the theme of "Building Blocks for an Enduring China-U.S. Economic Partnership," the two sides had in-depth discussions on overarching, strategic and long-term issues such as macroeconomic policies, cooperation in energy and the environment, the promotion of open trade and investment, and international economic cooperation in the two-day talks. 

Wang said, curbing the global financial crisis is the most urgent task for both sides.  What is particularly noteworthy is the cooperation in energy and the environmen. Progress has been made in negotiations on the bilateral investment protection treaty.  Strengthening bilateral investment protection would help establish a fairer, more transparent and predictable environment for mutual investment. a fair and open international trade system is conducive to the healthy development of the world economy.

The SED, being the highest level economic dialogue, was established by the heads of the two countries in 2006.  The dialogue takes place twice a year, with locations rotating in China and the U.S.

(China IP News)