Chinese President Hu Jintao on Monday called for closer China-U.S. coordination on regional hot-spot and global issues.

At the opening ceremony of the second round of China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue, Hu said the two countries should step up communication and coordination on regional hot-spot issues through bilateral channels and multilateral mechanisms.

"The two sides should increase consultations and cooperation on such global issues as climate change, nuclear security, energy security, food security, disaster reduction and preparedness, fighting transnational crimes, and prevention and control of serious communicable diseases," he said.

He called on both countries to work with the rest of the international community to make the international system more just and equitable.

The second round of China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue opened Monday in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

About 50 representatives from more than 40 departments of both countries would participate in the two-day dialogue, which was expected cover a host of topics ranging from bilateral links to regional and global issues.