Chinese President Hu Jintao's Special Representative and Vice Premier Wang Qishan (R) meets with Henry M. Paulson (L), special representative of US President George W. Bush and the US Treasury Secretary, in Beijing, China, April 2, 2008. Paulson arrived in Beijing on Wednesday to start his two-day China trip for preparation for the fourth round of China-US Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED). (Xinhua Photo) 

Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan began talks with US Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson in Beijing on Wednesday morning on advancing the process of the China-US Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED) and bilateral economic ties.

During the talks held in the Great Hall of People Wang said Paulson's visit so soon after China's government reshuffle showed that Paulson attached great importance to the China-US relations and the SED.

China and the United States have reached many agreements since the establishment of the SED, which made a great contribution to the development of 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 US President George W. Bush.

Paulson said the two sides "have much to accomplish" and he looked forward to working with Wang to make progress as they move forward.