REAFFIRMING NEED TO SUSTAIN DIALOGUE MECHANISM
Despite some criticism for lacking major breakthroughs, both sides commended the annual S&ED and CPE for their great contribution to helping the bilateral ties mature in the past years, while calling for sustaining the momentum of continuing dialogues and consultations.
"Our high-level, multidimensional dialogue is a testament to the greater maturity of relations between our two nations. Dialogue helps us understand each other's thinking and get to the crux of how to make cooperation work and better handle differences, " Wang said.
Wang praised the annual high-level talks, which have gained more than 170 achievements in various fields in the past seven years, for injecting "positive energy" into bilateral ties and global development.
He cited "substantive progress" achieved on major issues, including the bilateral investment treaty negotiations, climate change, and the expansion of Information Technology Agreement, just to name a few.
"Our dialogue mechanism may not be perfect, but it is an indispensable platform for the two countries to increase mutual trust, deepen cooperation, and manage differences," Wang said.
Calling the U.S.-China relationship dynamic, Kerry said it has "grown and matured steadily in the past decades, and most notably in recent years," adding "We each have a stake in continuing that momentum."
Lew also praised the S&ED for being "a key mechanism for generating practical cooperation on issues across our relationship, " which has led to important, tangible results for both sides so far.
PREPARING FOR A SUCCESSFUL VISIT BY PRESIDENT XI
At the same time, both sides agreed that this year's talks will help pave the way for a successful state visit to the U.S. by President Xi in September.
Liu said President Xi "takes this S&ED and CPE very close to his heart" and asked her to convey a message to President Obama, Kerry, Lew and all other U.S. officials taking part in the talks.
Wang pledged that the Chinese team would work with the U.S. colleagues to "lay a solid foundation for a successful visit by President Xi while adding a mark of success for the Obama administration."
Lew echoed Wang's statement, saying this year's talks provide an opportunity for the two sides to hold frank discussions on areas of concerns and manage differences so to "work through issues to prepare for a productive leaders' meeting in September."
