China-US dialogue mechanisms conducive to strengthened ties(2)

SSD TO DEEPEN MUTUAL TRUST

China-US Strategic Security Dialogue (SSD) was launched in 2011. It was first held in Washington D.C. under the framework of the third round of S&ED, and co-chaired by then Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun and US Deputy State Secretary James Steinberg.

Leading officials from diplomatic and military departments of both sides also attended the dialogue.

The SSD was aimed at enhancing mutual understanding, building mutual trust, exploring cooperation and narrowing differences, Zhang told reporters after the talks on May 10, 2011.

"There is a need for both sides to have such kind of platform to discuss and exchange views on major strategic issues of mutual interest, to avoid misinterpretation and miscalculation on the strategic intention of the other side and to explore possible communication, consultation and mutually beneficial cooperation in some areas," said Zhang.

Co-chaired by Zhang and then US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns, the second SSD was held in Beijing in May, 2012. The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on issues of strategic and comprehensive security and deepening mutual understanding. Both sides agreed to continue to develop the SSD mechanism and let it play a greater role in enhancing bilateral strategic mutual trust.

High ranking officials participated in the dialogue included Ma Xiaotian, then deputy chief of the general staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, then Chinese Ambassador to the United States Zhang Yesui, US Under Secretary of Defense James Miller and US Pacific Command Commander Samuel Locklear.

The third SSD is scheduled to take place in Washington D.C. this week, and a new cyber working group will have its first meeting under the SSD framework, as cyber issues have emerged as a center of contention between the two sides.