April 01,2009

Baucus Welcomes New U.S.-China Dialogue

Finance Chairman Stresses Need for Congressional Role

Washington, D.C. – Senator Max Baucus (D-Mont.) today welcomed the announcement of a new high-level dialogue between the United States and China. Announced by President Obama and President Hu ahead of the G20 summit in London, the Strategic and Economic Dialogue will be an annual forum to discuss economic, foreign policy, and other strategic matters. The Dialogue will be co-chaired by Secretary Geithner and Secretary Clinton for the United States, and Vice Premier Wang Qishan and State Councilor Dai Bingguo for China. The inaugural session is likely to take place this summer.

“Consistent engagement on the highest levels, including meaningful dialogue with Congress, is essential for one of America’s most important and complex bilateral relationships,” Baucus said. “The global economic situation today demands action, and I urge Secretary Geithner and Vice Premier Wang to get the economic dialogue up and running as soon as possible.”

The Senate Finance Committee has jurisdiction over all international trade matters. As part of the Strategic Economic Dialogue inaugurated by the Bush Administration, Chairman Baucus and his Committee colleagues twice held talks with the Chinese Vice Premier and other delegates.

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