The current China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue is also known as the S-and E-D. Dialogue was first established with the previous American government, but talks continue today.

China-U.S. Strategic Dialogue was initiated by China's President Hu Jintao and U.S. President George W. Bush in November 2004. It was established as a deputy-ministerial-level dialogue mechanism, between the two countries. Meetings were held six times.

The China-U.S. Strategic Economic Dialogue was a framework for the United States and China to mutually discuss topics related to economic relations. The SED was also initiated by President Hu Jintao and President George W. Bush in September 2006. The format was such that top leaders of both countries met twice a year, alternating between China and the U.S. A total of five meetings were held between 2006 and 2008.

The current format U.S. China Strategic and Economic Dialogue was established by President Hu Jintao and U.S. President Barack Obama in April 2009. It represents the highest-level bilateral forum to discuss a broad range of issues between the two nations. The dialogue is an essential step in advancing a positive, constructive and comprehensive relationship between the two countries.