By Xinhua
Beijing : Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan began talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson here Wednesday morning, exchanging views on advancing the process of China-U.S. Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED) and bilateral economic ties.
During the talks held in the Great Hall of People in downtown Beijing, Wang said Paulson is here for a visit soon after China’s government was reshuffled and this showed he attached the great importance to the China-U.S. relations and the SED.
China and the United States have reached much consensus since the establishment of the SED, which made great contribution to the development of the mutual trust and the steady growth of bilateral relations, Wang said.
He said it is his first time to talk with Paulson after taking office and as the special representative of President Hu Jintao, adding he is willing to have “an in-depth exchange of views” with Paulson, who is also special representative of U.S. President George W. Bush.
Paulson said he looked forward to working closely with Wang on the preparations for new round of SED.
Paulson, who arrived in Beijing earlier Wednesday morning for a two-day visit, is scheduled to meet President Hu, Premier Wen Jiabao and other senior officials.
China and the United States had agreed to hold their fourth round of the SED at Washington in June this year. Wang and Paulson are expected to jointly preside over the dialogue.