Good afternoon.

The sixth round of the China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue has concluded. Over the past two days, the two sides, focusing on the important agreement between our presidents, had sincere and in-depth exchange of views on promoting a new model of major-country relations between the two countries, reached extensive consensus and achieved important and positive outcomes.

The success of the dialogue could not have been achieved without the support and guidance of the two presidents. President Xi Jinping attended the joint opening ceremony of the S&ED and CPE and delivered an important speech. President Obama sent a written statement. This afternoon, President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang will, respectively, meet with the two US special representatives. The personal involvement, direct input and guidance of our leaders have injected a strong impetus into the work of the two teams.

During the strategic dialogue, Secretary Kerry and I, focusing on the theme of promoting a new model of major-country relations, had sincere, in-depth and constructive discussions on the bilateral relations and major international, regional and global issues of shared interest.

We both spoke positively of the achievements in China-US relations over the past 35 years of our diplomatic ties, decided to enhance pragmatic cooperation, constructively manage differences, and continue to promote the building of a new model of major-country relations between China and the United States in accordance with the consensus reached by the presidents of our two countries. We both reaffirmed the commitment to strengthen exchanges at the top and other levels. The two presidents will maintain frequent communication through visits, meetings, telephone conversations and correspondence.

The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation on a wide range of areas, including counterterrorism, law enforcement, anti-corruption, customs, fishery, maritime affairs, transportation, consular affairs, protection of persons with disabilities, energy and climate change, nuclear security, environmental protection, science and technology, agriculture, health, and those at sub-national levels.

As part of the strategic dialogue , the two sides held sub-dialogues on strategic security, economic development and reform, and climate change policy, as well as breakout sessions on UN peacekeeping operations, Sudan and South Sudan, and combating wildlife trafficking. The two sides also signed EcoPartnership agreements.

The two sides agreed to earnestly implement the consensus reached between our national and military leaders on developing military-to-military relations, deepen exchanges and cooperation between our militaries, and promote a new model of military-to-military relations between China and the United States. The two sides will continue to conduct joint exercises on counter-piracy, maritime search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The two sides are committed to setting up at an early date a notification mechanism for major military activities and have agreed to further strengthen their consultation on the rules of behavior on military air and maritime activities in international waters.

The competent authorities of the two countries held a Climate Change Working Group meeting and reaffirmed their commitment to closer cooperation to phase down hydrofluorocarbons. We have decided that on top of the existing five areas – namely heavy-duty and other vehicles, smart grids, carbon capture, use and storage, collecting and managing greenhouse gas data, and energy efficiency – to add industrial boilers and forests as new areas of cooperation to the work of the working group.

The Chinese side reaffirmed its principled position on Taiwan, Tibet and other questions, and emphasized that both sides should respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, respect each other’s choice of development path and social system, and handle their differences and frictions in a constructive manner.

The two sides agreed to jointly uphold peace, stability and prosperity in the region, and both sides believe that a constructive China-US relationship is crucial to their Asia-Pacific policies. The two sides pledged to work towards a more stable, peaceful and prosperous Asia-Pacific region and to enhance communication and coordination on Asia-Pacific affairs. The two sides discussed the latest developments in the Asia-Pacific region and decided to enhance communication and coordination within multilateral forums, such as APEC, East Asia Summit (EAS) and ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). The two sides spoke positively about the fifth China-US Asia-Pacific Consultations and decided to hold the next round in the United States later this year.

The Chinese side reaffirmed its principled position on the issues of East China Sea and South China Sea, reaffirmed that China will continue to firmly uphold its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, and at the same time, stay committed to handling and resolving relevant issues through dialogue and consultation between the parties directly concerned. China urges the United States to adopt an objective and impartial position, honor its commitment of not choosing sides, and play a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability in this region.

The two sides discussed a number of international and regional issues, and both believe that they have important responsibilities for upholding peace and stability in the world, and will continue their close consultations and coordination on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, the Iranian nuclear issue, Afghanistan and other issues.

On the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, the two sides reaffirmed the importance of realizing the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner as well as safeguarding peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. The Chinese side pointed out that given the current circumstances, all sides should exercise calm and restraint, be discreet in words and actions, and do more things to ease the situation. The two sides agreed to continue their close consultation on the relevant matters.

Cyber-security is a common threat and challenge facing all countries. China maintains that countries should strengthen cooperation on the basis of mutual respect and trust, and work together to build a peaceful, secure, open and cooperative cyber environment. China believes that cyberspace should not be used to damage the interests of other countries. China hopes that the US would create conditions for dialogue and cooperation between the two countries in cyber-space.

Ladies and gentlemen,

This round of dialogue has played an important role in helping the two sides to better understand each other’s strategic intention and policy, deepen converging interests, promote cooperation in all areas, increase friendship and effectively manage differences.

Once again, I wish to thank Secretary Kerry, Secretary Lew and their teams for coming to China to attend the S&ED. I also thank both teams for their hard work, and I look forward to meeting all of you again next year in Washington.