Today USTR Ron Kirk continued his visit to Beijing, China as part of the US delegation to accompany President Barack Obama on his state visit to China. Cabinet officials participated in a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People with President Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao. American and Chinese officials also held an expanded bilateral meeting.
Concluding the official welcoming ceremony with President Hu, Ambassador Kirk, Secretary Locke and Secretary Chu held a joint meeting with Chinese Vice Premier Li KeQiang. Among the issues discussed were importance of close cooperation between the United States and China on trade and economic issues, as well as climate change. During the meeting Ambassador Kirk also emphasized the importance of balanced growth in a way that benefits both countries.
The United States and China have a large and dynamic trading relationship. Bilateral trade in goods totaled $408 billion in 2008, and China is now the United States' second largest trading partner.
Over the past month, Ambassador Kirk has spent significant time in Asia, engaging his counterparts to help further open Asia markets to sustain and create new jobs at home. He served as co-chair of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade in Hangzhou, China and participated in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Singapore.
