With the US and China racing towards the next session of the
Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED) in December, the US is keen to
see tangible progress.
"Direct engagement keeps a relationship on an 'even keel' by
lessening miscommunications and dispelling misperceptions. It
further signals to China that we welcome the rise of a competent,
peaceful and prosperous China," US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson
said.
"China's re-emergence on the global stage is one of the most
consequential geo-political events in recent times. The United
States must manage our disagreements with China and foster
bilateral cooperation," Paulson said.
Speaking at the third biennial George W. Bush China-US Relations
Conference in Washington, Paulson urged results from the three-day
meeting and at the upcoming session of the SED.
He said that leadership from both countries must engage in
strategic objectives to further the process of an economic, social
and environmental relationship.
He congratulated China on the successful conclusion of the 17th
Party Congress. "My colleagues and I look forward to developing
constructive and productive relationships with the new members of
the Chinese leadership team," Paulson said.
The effectiveness with which China addresses product safety
concerns will have long-term implications for US-China trade ties.
He cautioned that policymakers in both nations should focus on
science-based safety decisions rather than "protectionism or
retaliation."
(China Daily October 24, 2007)
