Congressman Rick Larsen's Online Office

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02), co-chair of the Congressional U.S.-China Working Group, released the following statement today following a meeting between President Barack Obama and President Hu Jintao of China at the G20 Financial Summit in London at which they announced points of agreement for U.S.-China engagement.

“I applaud the agreement announced today by President Obama and President Hu to build a cooperative and comprehensive U.S.-China relationship for the 21st century.

“Our relationship with China will be the most important diplomatic relationship of the 21st century.  The Strategic and Economic Dialogue announced today is a great step forward and recognizes the value of continuing and expanding high-level conversations on critical issues to both of our nations.

“While the previous Strategic Economic Dialogue represented important progress in strengthening engagement between the United States and China, the new Strategic and Economic Dialogue announced today brings a comprehensive approach to the bilateral relationship.

“Most notably, the establishment of a high-level military-to-military relationship is commendable and represents an important step forward for the security and stability of our two nations and countries around the world. 

“I am also pleased that the United States and China agreed to intensify dialogue and cooperation regarding energy and climate change.

“Moreover, I commend the two presidents for pledging to work together on the greatest challenge we currently face – the global recession.  Our shared commitment to economic recovery and a stronger international financial system is critical to preventing another crisis like this one from happening again.

“In May, I will be leading a delegation to China with my colleague Congressman Mark Kirk.  I look forward to working with my colleagues and our counterparts in China to build on the cooperative, comprehensive agenda announced today by President Obama and President Hu.”

The bipartisan Congressional U.S.-China Working Group educates Members of Congress on U.S.-China issues through meetings and briefings with academic, business and political leaders from the United States and China.

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