China is already a world economic leader and deserves to be
recognized as a leader, US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson Friday
said in New York, while emphasizing China's growth and stability as
"a vital issue for all nations."
Addressing the 16th annual conference of the Committee of 100, a
non-profit, non-partisan organization of distinguished Chinese
Americans in the United States, Paulson said: "China is
transitioning from a planned economy into a market-driven economy
and there is no doubt that this process will continue for a number
of years."
Noting that China's growth and integration into the world
economy "benefits the Chinese people and people of the world," the
secretary stressed that because of its size and its role in the
world market, "China is already a world economic leader and
deserves to be recognized as a leader."
"And with leadership comes responsibility. Decisions about the
pace and shape of China's economic reforms as well as policies
relating to energy and environment affect nations here and around
the world," he added.
China now has "a right goal, which is stability, economic
stability and growth," the secretary said, pointing out that it
would not be in anyone's interests for China to have economic
problems.
On the huge US trade imbalance with China, Paulson said as the
relations between the US and China grows and matures, tensions will
naturally emerge. But "when disagreements arise, it is important to
discuss them candidly, find ways to bridge the differences, and
make progress so that both countries benefit," he said.
He noted the US-China relations is multi-faceted, and "our
economic relations is a very important part of that overall
relationship and one that benefits both of our nations."
Given the importance of the relationship between the United
States and China, Paulson said that President George W. Bush and
Chinese President Hu Jintao established the Strategic Economic
Dialogue (SED), which, as the secretary observed, is to focus on
effective framework for addressing issues of mutual concern.
He said the first SED was held in Beijing in December, and the
second meeting will be held next month in Washington. "The SED is
focused on long term goals. We are very much focused on long term
relationship and long term structural reforms."
"We and our Chinese counterparts are looking for tangible
results," the secretary said.
Also, he said, "Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi and I see an important part of our job
being to communicate frequently, iron out differences and keep our
economic relationship on an even keel particularly during times of
tension."
Voicing his confidence in the SED, the secretary said that
through SED, "we will provide a stronger foundation for the
economic relationship between our two countries, while yielding
tangible benefits for both our countries in the short term."
(Xinhua News Agency April 21, 2007)
