China, US wrap up annual high-level talks on ties

WASHINGTON -- Top Chinese and US officials wrapped up Wednesday their two-day high-level talks here with substantial outcomes in strategic and economic sectors, as well as people-to-people exchanges.

During this year's seventh China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED) and the sixth China-US High-Level Consultation on People-to-People Exchange (CPE), a wide range of bilateral, regional and global issues of common concern were covered, including climate change, interaction in the Asia-Pacific region, managing differences and sensitive situations, the United Nations and multilateral affairs, science and innovation, green ports and ships, as well as fighting illegal trade in wildlife.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang said that during the two days of the seventh round of economic dialogue under the S&ED, the two sides conducted candid and in-depth exchange of views on issues of long-term and strategic importance to the two economies and the world economy, and achieved over 70 important outcomes.

Wang said the success of this round of economic dialogue has provided a stronger foundation and driven for the healthy and stable growth of China-US relations and laid the ground work for the economic agenda of Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming state visit to the United States in September.

State Councilor Yang Jiechi said on the strategic track, the two sides have achieved concrete outcomes in nine areas.

Yang said that the two sides had discussions on how to build the new type of major-country relations, deepen practical cooperation, enhance the China-US cooperation in the Asia-Pacific, handle regional hotspots and global challenges and manage differences in a constructive fashion.

During the two-day CPE talks, the two sides have also achieved 119 outcomes in seven areas, including education, science and technology, culture, health, sports, women and youth.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, US Secretary of State John Kerry said the depth and breadth of discussion at this year's S&ED was significant, adding that the dialogue of this year's S&ED reflected a joint US-China commitment to cooperating in areas of common interest and seeking constructive solutions where the two sides have differences.

Kerry emphasized that the United States welcomes the emergence of a stable, peaceful and prosperous China that plays a responsible role in world affairs.

This year's S&ED was co-chaired by Wang and Yang, special representatives of Xi, and John Kerry and US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew, on behalf of US President Barack Obama.

The CPE was co-chaired by Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong, a special representative of Xi, and Kerry.