Mr Locke also said that the economic crisis in Europe had added fresh urgency for high-level talks between the U.S. and China. He stressed that the spreading crisis can't be ignored, and will definitely be discussed at next week's strategic and economic dialogue meetings. The two-day meetings begin next Monday in Beijing.

"Well, I am sure it cannot be ignored. It cannot be ignored and I think it perhaps means a greater urgency that the two countries talk about economic policy, and that we talk about ways that we can move forward on re-balancing our economies. So I think it is even better we are meeting at this time." Locke said.