FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts in Washington, DC:
John Frisbie (jfrisbie@uschina.org), Erin Ennis (eennis@uschina.org)
202-429-0340
PRC Vice Premier Wang, State Councilor Dai,
US Secretaries Clinton and Geithner
Address Business, Political and Civic Leaders in Washington
Speeches Highlight Important US-China Partnership
Event Follows Obama Administration's
First Strategic & Economic Dialogue
Washington, DC - July 28, 2009 - His Excellency Wang Qishan, vice premier of the People's Republic of China, China's State Councilor Dai Bingguo, US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and US Secretary of the Treasury Tim Geithner this evening addressed government, business, and civic leaders in Washington, DC, at a dinner hosted by the US-China Business Council and the National Committee on US-China Relations. The officials, along with other American and Chinese department secretaries and ministers, had just completed the two-day Strategic & Economic Dialogue, a series of bilateral conversations between the United States and China on security, political, and economic issues.
At the dinner, Vice Premier Wang and State Councilor Dai provided their perspectives on the bilateral economic, political, and security talks. Secretaries Clinton and Geithner delivered brief remarks on the importance of the Strategic & Economic Dialogue in laying a solid foundation for future cooperation between the United States and China.
Begun in 2006, the high-level dialogue was bolstered by the Obama administration by creating two concurrent tracks of high-level discussions. One track, focused on strategic issues, was led by Secretary Clinton and State Councilor Dai. The second track, involving international economic policy and trade between the two nations, was led by Secretary Geithner and Vice Premier Wang.
Prior to the dinner, the two lead co-host organizations offered comments emphasizing the value of continued strong relations between the United States and China.
"The relationship with China is one of the most important global relationships for the United States now and in the years ahead," said US-China Business Council President John Frisbie. "It is hard to imagine either country succeeding economically or on key issues such as climate change without constructive and cooperative ties."
Steve Orlins, president of the National Committee on US-China Relations said, "I applaud President Obama and President Hu's decision to continue and expand the existing dialogues into the Strategic and Economic Dialogue. This forum provides both governments with the opportunity to make breakthroughs on issues that require interdepartmental, as well as US-China cooperation."
Other US attendees at the event included congressional leaders, high-level corporate executives, members of the diplomatic corps, and senior administration members. The Chinese delegation included 24 officials of minister or vice minister rank, representing a range of economic and strategic agencies. These senior officials were integral to the Strategic & Economic Dialogue's productive discussions on topics such as global economic recovery, international political and security hotspots, and global health and human rights issues.
Both the US-China Business Council and the National Committee on US-China Relations advocate for constructive and transparent ties between the two countries. In supporting proactive engagement like the Strategic & Economic Dialogue, the organizations believe the United States can strengthen its relationship with China and continue the economic, political, cultural, and educational connections that benefit the citizens and businesses of both countries.
In addition to the US-China Business Council and the National Committee on US-China Relations, several other organizations - the United States Chamber of Commerce, the America-China Forum, the Brookings Institution, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the Committee of 100, the Council on Foreign Relations, the US-China Policy Foundation, the China General Chamber of Commerce - USA, the China-US Exchange Foundation, Hong Kong Phoenix Satellite Television, the Financial Services Forum, and the Peterson Institute for International Economics - served as partners for the event.
The USCBC (www.uschina.org) is the leading organization of US companies engaged in business with the People's Republic of China. Founded in 1973, the USCBC provides extensive China-focused information, advisory, and advocacy services, along with events, to roughly 220 US corporations operating within the United States and throughout Asia.