On June 18, 2008, the National Committee co-hosted a dinner in Washington, DC, in honor of Wang Qishan, Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China. Informally concluding the 4th round of the U.S.-China Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED), the dinner provided the occasion for Vice Premier Wang and U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Paulson to give public addresses concerning SED’s progress.

The vice premier chose to forgo his prepared speech and in his “from the heart directly to the mouth” remarks, he thanked Americans for their sympathy and support in wake of the Wenchuan earthquake, warned of the dangers of protectionism, highlighted China’s commitment to reform, pushed for cooperation in tackling international problems, and encouraged the American business community and others to seize the opportunities provided by the latest round of the SED.

The dinner was attended by over 500 guests, including the secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, and Labor. Vice Premier Wang’s delegation included ten Chinese ministers and heads of major financial institutions.

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