The third round of China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue has begun in Washington. The heads of 16 US government agencies and representatives from 20 Chinese government departments will discuss issues at the core of both sides' relations.

The two-day talks are being co-chaired by Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan and State Councilor Dai Bingguo, as well as US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner.

Addressing the opening session, Clinton said that the US does not see China's growth as a threat. She added that Washington seeks greater trust with China to work together on global issues.

For his part, Vice Premier Wang Qishan noted that China greatly values dialogue between the two countries.

Chinese Vice premier Wang Qishan said, "Chinese President Hu Jintao highly praises the role that the dialogue has played between China and US. It offers a platform to deepen understanding, enhance mutual trust and promote bilateral, regional and diplomatic communication between the two countries. We hope that the two sides will furthur deepen cooperation and exchange views through this round of dialogue."

Both sides are expected to exchange opinions on overall, strategic and long-standing issues in the development of Sino-US relations, as well as international and regional issues of common concern.