Full coverage: 8th China-U.S. S&ED & 7th CPE

China and the United States are discussing bilateral and regional issues as the eighth China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue and the seventh China-US High-Level Consultation on People-to-People Exchange got underway in Beijing.

Both sides called for closer cooperation on issues such as climate change, global finance and agriculture. Speaking at the opening ceremony, China's President Xi Jinping urged the two countries to deepen strategic mutual trust and mutually-beneficial cooperation.

"The extensive common interests between China and the US in the Asia-Pacific region make it possible for both countries to maintain frequent communication, have more cooperation and jointly respond to challenges. Both countries can work together to foster a circle of mutual friends that is inclusive rather than exclusive and both countries should play such a role that will build and maintain prosperity and stability for this region," Xi said.