U.S., China annual strategic dialogue

There appears little room for compromise on China’s attitude toward territorial disputes in the South and East China Seas where its assertive actions have unnerved its neighbors, including U.S. allies.

U.S., China hold annual strategic dialogue

A month after the U.S. and Chinese presidents held an unconventional summit at a California resort, their top officials convene in more staid surroundings in Washington on Wednesday to hash over a slew of security and economic issues that reflect growing ties but also deep-seated differences between the world powers.

The fifth edition of the annual Strategic and Economic Dialogue takes place in less fraught circumstances than last year’s in Beijing, which was overshadowed by the escape of dissident lawyer Chen Guangcheng from house arrest to the U.S. Embassy.

But there’s still plenty to argue about. The Cabinet-level officials taking part in the two days of talks at the State Department and Treasury will address the growing U.S. anxiety over cyber theft, the nuclear program of China’s ally North Korea and barriers to U.S. trade and investment in China. They will also discuss cooperation on tackling climate change.

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There appears little room for compromise on the thorniest security concerns that hamper U.S.-China ties, such as China’s attitude toward territorial disputes in the South and East China Seas where its assertive actions have unnerved its neighbors, including U.S. allies. However, in areas such as energy security and climate change there’s more hope of progress, including cooperation on reducing emissions.

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Source: Marine Corps Times.