Outcomes of Strategic Track of 6th Round of U.S.-China Strategic & Economic Dialogue
U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue Outcomes of the Strategic Track
Media Note, Office of the Spokesperson, Washington, DC, July 14, 2014
At the Sixth Round of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED) July 9-10, 2014, in Beijing, State Councilor Yang Jiechi, special representative of President Xi Jinping, and Secretary of State John Kerry, special representative of President Barack Obama, chaired the Strategic Track, which included participation from senior officials from across both governments. The two sides reviewed the successful implementation of the Strategic Track outcomes of the Fifth Round of the S&ED, held in-depth discussions on major bilateral, regional, and global issues, and recommitted to the S&ED’s role in deepening strategic trust, expanding practical cooperation, and constructively managing differences to build a new model of relations between the United States and China. The dialogue on the Strategic Track produced the following specific outcomes and areas for further cooperation. The United States and China:
I. Enhancing Bilateral Cooperation
1. High-Level Exchanges: Highlighted the historic achievements in U.S.-China relations over the past 35 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, decided to enhance pragmatic cooperation, constructively manage differences, and continue to promote the building of a new model of relations between the United States and China, in accordance with the consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries. The two sides committed to maintain and strengthen the momentum of high-level exchanges. Leaders of the two sides will continue to maintain close and frequent communication, including through visits, meetings in multilateral occasions, telephone conversations and correspondence.
2. The Strategic Security Dialogue: Held the fourth round of the Strategic Security Dialogue (SSD) July 8, 2014, and engaged in candid, in-depth, and constructive discussion on strategic security issues. The dialogue was co-chaired by Executive Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui for China and Deputy Secretary of State Williams J. Burns for the United States, who were joined by Deputy Chief of the PLA General Staff Lieutenant General Wang Guanzhong, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Christine Wormuth, and other senior civilian and defense officials from both countries. The two sides noted the dialogue was beneficial to enhancing mutual understanding and trust. The two sides decided to continue in-depth and sustained dialogue and to work together to establish a stable and cooperative strategic security relationship. The two sides decided to hold an inter-sessional meeting of the SSD at a mutually convenient time and to hold the next SSD on the eve of the next S&ED.
3. Military Relations: Reaffirmed the shared goal of implementing the consensus reached by national and military leaders of the two sides to develop U.S.-China military-to-military relations by building on progress in developing a sustained and substantive defense dialogue, exploring practical areas of cooperation, and enhancing risk-reduction measures. Reaffirmed commitment to the development of a new model of U.S.-China military-to-military relations by deepening exchanges and cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including counter-piracy, maritime search and rescue, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief, and to build greater mutual understanding in military-to-military relations through improved communication and contacts at all levels. Affirmed a mutual commitment to the management of crises, prevention of accidental incidents, and promotion of positive interaction through enhanced communication in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
4. Mechanism Building: Reaffirmed commitment to develop a notification mechanism for major military activities and a set of rules of behavior for air and maritime encounters as U.S.-China confidence-building measures as soon as possible. Committed to start coordination for including U.S. Coast Guard and PRC maritime law enforcement agency representatives in the air and maritime rules of behavior working group.
5. Legal Advisers Consultation: Decided to hold a Legal Advisers Consultation between the Legal Adviser to the U.S. Department of State and the Director General of the Department of Treaty and Law of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. The consultation is to be held in Washington, DC, in October 2014.
6. Nonproliferation Cooperation: Recognized the importance of exchanges and dialogue on nonproliferation by intensifying their cooperation on nonproliferation on the basis of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit. Decided to establish a joint working group on the shared challenges posed by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and related technologies; intend to hold the inaugural session of the working group in due course.
7. Counterterrorism Dialogue: The two sides condemn all forms of terrorism and are committed to reinforcing counterterrorism cooperation. Decided to hold the U.S.-China Counterterrorism Dialogue at the vice-minister level July 15, 2014, in Washington, DC.
8. Law Enforcement Cooperation: Decided to continue efforts to deepen and strengthen law enforcement cooperation to address issues of mutual concern on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, utilizing the Joint Liaison Group on Law Enforcement Cooperation (JLG) as the main channel. In accordance with discussions at the eleventh plenary session of the JLG, the two sides decided that the JLG Co-Chairs and working groups are to maintain communication, discuss a model document on best practices to serve as a working manual for future joint investigations, and hold an asset forfeiture and recovery seminar. The two sides also decided to hold the twelfth plenary session of the JLG in fall 2014 in China. The Co-Chairs decided that the Repatriation and Fugitive Working Groups would deepen their interactive cooperation; to this end, the two working groups plan to hold quarterly meetings to update the Chinese fugitives list and prioritize the remaining cases. The two sides welcomed the participation of the Deputy Director General of the International Cooperation Bureau, Ministry of Supervision of China, as the third Chinese Co-Chair, and the Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security of the United States as the third U.S. Co-Chair.
9. Anti-Corruption: Decided to continue to enhance communication in the field of anti-corruption under multilateral frameworks, such as UNCAC, G-20, and APEC. The two sides reaffirmed their G-20 commitments on tackling foreign bribery, denial of safe haven, and asset recovery.
10. Enforcement Cooperation between GACC and ICE: The General Administration of China Customs (GACC) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in cooperation with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), decided to carry on controlled deliveries of postal parcels containing illicit drug and CITES products concealed in postal and express parcels. GACC, ICE and DEA are continuing intelligence exchange, investigation assistance, and training cooperation; they are also to undertake joint operations against fraud, arms and ammunition smuggling, drug smuggling, bulk cash smuggling, and illegal movement of hazardous wastes.
11. Container Security Initiative between GACC and CBP: The General Administration of China Customs (GACC) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) decided to further cooperation on China-U.S. Container Security Initiative (CSI). The two sides plan to enhance consultations on deployment of China Customs CSI officers at U.S. ports within the parameters of the current Declaration of Principles.
12. Cooperation on Supply Chain Security between GACC and CBP: The General Administration of China Customs (GACC) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) decided to sign an Addendum to the Action Plan Implementing the Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Cooperation on Supply Chain Security and Facilitation between GACC and CBP. GACC and CBP have completed 317 joint validations in China, plan to continue discussing mutual recognition arrangement of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programs, and seek to conduct additional joint validations in 2014 and 2015. In addition, GACC and CBP plan to actively continue to align their respective AEOs by conducting on-site validation observation of both programs.
13. Joint Customs Training between GACC and CBP: The General Administration of China Customs (GACC) and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) noted the effective results of their joint training cooperation. The two sides are committed to continuing joint training cooperation based on the assessment of performance.
14. Joint Fisheries Enforcement: Marked 21 years of the U.S.-China partnership established in recognition of mutual concern for the damaging exploitation of living marine resources through the use of high-seas drift nets. Since the partnership’s inception, 79 Chinese officers have sailed with the U.S. Coast Guard, and this highly successful cooperation has led to 18 interdictions and enforcement actions against vessels fishing in violation of the High-Seas Drift Net Fishing Moratorium. The U.S. Coast Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service, and the China Coast Guard have successfully continued this initiative, with six Chinese officers scheduled to embark on a U.S. Coast Guard cutter in 2014. The current memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing – the U.S.-China MOU on Effective Cooperation and Implementation of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 46/215 of December 20, 1991 – is set to expire at the end of this year and should be extended or renewed.
15. Maritime Safety and Security Cooperation: Expressed support for carrying forward the U.S.-China Maritime Safety Dialogue by the United States Coast Guard, the China Coast Guard, and China Maritime Safety Administration. The U.S. Coast Guard and the two Chinese agencies are active participants in the six-nation North Pacific Coast Guard Forum, which meets twice each year. The U.S. Coast Guard, China Coast Guard, and China Maritime Safety Administration have expressed interest in mutual senior-level and vessel visits in 2014 to share ideas and best practices and to promote deeper understanding and cooperation. The U.S. Coast Guard and China Maritime Safety Administration, having held a working-level meeting of the Maritime Safety Dialogue in April 2013, met in September 2013 to discuss technical cooperation and exchanges in maritime radio navigation and satellite navigation, particularly in maritime application of Beidou and other global navigation satellite systems. The U.S. Coast Guard and China Maritime Safety Administration are exploring joint enforcement of international dangerous cargo laws; developing a personnel and professional exchange program in the fields of seafarer management, navigation safety, aids to navigation, hazardous and noxious substances spill response, and search and rescue; and strengthening the Maritime Safety Dialogue by formulating a medium-term or long-term bilateral action plan.
16. Cooperation on Traffic and Maritime Security: Encouraged the transport authorities to continue and further their cooperation with the U.S. Trade & Development Agency (USTDA). With USTDA support, the transport authorities of the two countries promoted the exchanges and cooperation in specialized areas including transport safety and disaster assistance coordination, and successfully held a joint seminar on “Sino-U.S. Transportation Safety and Earthquake Response Management Seminar and Expo” in Chengdu, China, May 13, 2014. Encouraged the maritime safety authorities of the two countries to further their in-depth technical exchanges and cooperation in maritime radio navigation and satellite navigation.
17. Consular Dialogue: Committed to explore new proposals to significantly extend reciprocal visa validity for tourists, short-term business travelers, and students. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the 2014 Consular Dialogue May 22 in Beijing, and the United States plans to host the Consular Dialogue in 2015 in Washington, DC.
18. China Garden: Affirmed that great attention has been given to the construction of the China Garden, which progressed steadily in 2013 with (1) the Chinese design team completing preliminary design of the China Garden and achieving significant progress in executing the design drawings according to U.S. requirements, and (2) the joint design teams completing integration of the project design and new cost estimates. Issues related to fund raising and construction design were discussed at the 7th and 8th Joint Working Meetings of the Project held in Washington, DC, and Yangzhou, China. Under the efforts of Prof. Jiang Zehui, Executive Director of the Chinese side, and supported by the implementing agency, relevant enterprises in China’s Jiangsu province have committed to assist the National China Garden with a fund designated for design development and construction planning. A confirmation signing was held during S&ED VI. The two sides are expected to facilitate the completion of fund raising, design and construction planning, and intend to strive to start construction of China Garden by the end of June 2016.
19. U.S.-China Coordination Meeting on Disability: Decided to hold a U.S.-China Coordination Meeting on Disability in either December 2014 or January 2015 in Washington, DC.
20. APEC: The United States and China are committed to promoting economic growth and prosperity in the Asia Pacific. The two sides reaffirm their commitment to work closely with other economies to make China’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation host year a success. The two sides acknowledge the necessity of maintaining close communication and cooperation to achieve positive and meaningful results at the 2014 APEC Economic Leaders Meeting and to advance regional economic integration; promote innovative development, economic reform and growth; and strengthen comprehensive connectivity and infrastructure development.
21. Breakout Sessions and Bilateral Meetings: Decided to hold the next round of sub-dialogues on Africa, Latin America, South Asia, and Central Asia on a timely basis and to enhance bilateral coordination and explore areas of cooperation on regional and international issues. Held breakout sessions on the margins of this year’s S&ED on the subjects of United Nations peacekeeping, Sudan and South Sudan, wildlife trafficking and other issues. Conducted a series of bilateral meetings between senior officials on a broad range of issues in the U.S.-China relationship.
II. Addressing Regional and Global Challenges
22. Regional and Global Issues: Decided to enhance communication and coordination on regional and global issues to jointly address common challenges.
23. The Korean Peninsula: Reaffirmed the importance of realizing the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner – the goal of the Six-Party Talks, as outlined in the September 19, 2005, Joint Statement – as well as safeguarding peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula. The two sides called on relevant parties to make joint efforts and take the necessary actions to create conditions for resumption of the Six-Party Talks. The two sides remain committed to ensuring full implementation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and committed to continue to maintain close communication on relevant issues.
24. Iran: Emphasized that the United States and China share common interests in peacefully resolving the Iranian nuclear issue through diplomatic means while maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East. The two sides remain committed to actively participating in the process with P5+1 partners and Iran in furtherance of seeking a comprehensive and long-term solution on the basis of reciprocity and a step-by-step approach that would restore international confidence in the exclusively peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program and enable Iran to fully enjoy its right to nuclear energy for peaceful purposes under the Nonproliferation Treaty. The two sides stated that Iran should fulfill its international nonproliferation obligations and cooperate fully with the IAEA to resolve all outstanding issues. Both sides also called for full implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 1696, 1737, 1747, 1803, 1835, and 1929. The two sides committed themselves to cooperation on the Iranian nuclear issue on the basis of mutual respect, equality, and reciprocity.
25. Syria: Exchanged detailed views on the current situation in Syria and reaffirmed their joint commitment to resolve the Syrian issue through political means on the basis of the Geneva Communiqué. Called on all parties in Syria to seek to ensure an early ceasefire and the cessation of all violence, to avoid civilian casualties, and to resume negotiations as soon as possible, with a view to finding a solution that accommodates the interests of all parties through dialogue and consultation. The two sides reaffirmed their opposition to the proliferation or use of chemical weapons and expressed their support for the OPCW’s work in Syria. The two sides expressed deep concern over the humanitarian situation and the need to continue to provide support to alleviate the suffering of Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons. The two sides called on the international community to step up humanitarian assistance in accordance with United Nations guiding principles.
26. Afghanistan: In support of a common interest in a stable Afghanistan, the two sides decided to enhance coordination in advance of the 2014 drawdown, explore further cooperation in support of their shared interest in political stability and economic revitalization in Afghanistan, and support the Afghan peace and reconciliation process. The two sides committed to continue in 2014 the joint diplomatic training program for Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials. The two sides also declared their intention to continue to work together in support of regional cooperation efforts such as the Istanbul Process. The United States supported China in hosting the next ministerial meeting in August 2014.
27. Sudan/South Sudan: Called for parties in the South Sudan conflict to carry out the May 9th agreements and solve differences through peace negotiations as soon as possible; emphasized that the international community should continue to support and cooperate with mediation efforts to broker peace in the South Sudan conflict through peace negotiations led by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD); and welcomed the leading role of IGAD. The international community should continue to support the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the mediation efforts of the IGAD Monitoring and Verification Mechanism, among other parties. The international community should continue to provide humanitarian assistance to South Sudan in order to avert a likely outbreak of famine and provide support for refugees and displaced persons. The two sides reaffirmed that Sudan and South Sudan should be encouraged to develop friendly relations, called for both sides to strictly implement relevant Security Council resolutions and the September 27, 2012, agreements, and encouraged the two sides to solve the Abyei issue peacefully. The two sides committed to continue to maintain communication and consultation on all matters related to Sudan and South Sudan and take coordinated actions to support peace in Sudan and South Sudan and peaceful relations between the two states.
28. Asia-Pacific: Acknowledged our common interests and challenges in the region and shared goal of maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity. The two sides decided to work together to maintain peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and uphold international norms. The two sides concurred that constructive U.S.-China relations are critical to both U.S. and Chinese policies in the Asia-Pacific. The two sides reaffirmed efforts to build a more stable, peaceful, and prosperous Asia-Pacific region and to enhance communication and coordination in the Asia-Pacific region to address pressing regional challenges. The two sides discussed the latest developments in the Asia-Pacific region. The two sides decided to enhance communication and coordination in the multilateral frameworks of the region, such as APEC, the East Asia Summit (EAS), and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). The two sides decided to strengthen cooperation in the Pacific Islands. The Fifth China-U.S. Asia-Pacific Consultations (APCs) were held in Beijing January 22, and the sides released a list of cooperative projects in the Asia-Pacific region. The two sides made positive comments on this consultation mechanism and decided to hold the next round this year in the United States.
29. Middle East Dialogue: Reviewed the progress during the two rounds of the Middle East Dialogue and decided to hold the next two rounds in China in 2014 and in Washington in 2015 respectively.
30. Law of the Sea and Polar Issues: The United States and China welcomed the U.S.-China Law of the Sea and Polar Issues dialogue’s efforts in assisting bilateral cooperation in global maritime forums and promoting better understanding of issues that are of increasing importance. The 5th Dialogue was held in Qingdao, China, March 27-28, 2014. Experts from U.S. and Chinese foreign affairs and maritime agencies exchanged views on a wide range of topics related to oceans, the law of the sea, and the polar regions. The United States and China are deepening bilateral dialogue on these issues. The United States plans to host the next round in 2015.
31. Ross Sea Protected Areas: Reaffirmed their commitment to continue to work together closely on the issue of establishing a marine protected area in the Ross Sea of Antarctica especially in the time prior to and during the Thirty-Third Meeting of the Commission on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) to be held October 20-31, 2014, in Hobart, Australia.
32. Wildlife Trafficking: Committed to combat wildlife trafficking by strengthening domestic and global enforcement, including relevant domestic laws, regulations, and enforcement tools; working jointly to increase interaction among wildlife enforcement networks (WEN) in support of ongoing international efforts to form a network of the WENs that could promote communication and cooperation links at the regional, sub-regional and global level; engaging police, customs, wildlife, and other law enforcement authorities to join the effort to combat wildlife trafficking; reducing supply of and demand for illegally traded wildlife in our respective countries and abroad; and building international cooperation and public-private partnerships to combat illegal wildlife poaching and trade. The United States and China decided to build on their progress by tightening commercial ivory trade controls; treating wildlife trafficking involving organized criminal groups as a serious crime; increasing public understanding of the harmful effects of wildlife trafficking on ecosystems and economic development, including threat to security and to livelihoods of local communities; investigating trade routes, supply chains, and market forces to identify measures to counter poaching and illegal trade of wildlife; applying education and outreach strategically to reduce poaching and illegal trade of wildlife, cooperating on international enforcement efforts for wildlife; and developing collaborations with other governments, international governmental organizations, civil society, the private sector, and local communities.
33. Operation Cobra: China and the United States have greatly promoted international cooperation on law enforcement through initiating the ground-breaking “Operation Cobra” in cooperation with other countries and regional organizations, which is a series of global cooperation efforts to combat wildlife trafficking. Wildlife officials, customs, and police officers from 28 countries participated in the month-long law enforcement activity of “Cobra II” in January 2014 that garnered impressive results, including numerous arrests of wildlife criminals and major wildlife seizures. China and the United States commit to continue supporting future actions of Cobra, including facilitating international coordination and enhancing capacity building and information sharing on wildlife law enforcement.
34. Peacekeeping: Exchanged views on current United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations and the UN’s proposed peacekeeping review and reaffirmed their joint commitment to deepening dialogue on peacekeeping issues, as well as exchanges of experts and technical cooperation, in particular with regard to military and police peacekeeping issues.
35. Earthquake Search and Rescue: China Earthquake Administration and USAID/OFDA decided to host the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) Asia-Pacific Regional USAR exercise August 25-September 2, 2014, in Beijing and Chengdu, China. Approximately 80 participants from the government of China, governments of ASEAN member states, and other INSARAG USAR teams from the Asia-Pacific region will attend. China Earthquake Administration and USAID/OFDA plan to continue this cooperation. Exercise design soon begins for the 2015 Asia-Pacific command post exercise. The host country is to be determined during the annual INSARAG Asia-Pacific Region Meeting in Seoul, Republic of Korea, September 15-17, 2014.
III. Sub-National Cooperation
36. U.S.-China Sister Cities: Welcomed the continued enhancement of sub-national relations. The Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and Sister Cities International (SCI) co-hosted the U.S.-China Sister Cities Conference in Washington, D.C., March 26-27, 2014. Thirty-four pairs of sister cities and provinces/states and four outstanding individuals were recognized at the conference. The conference encouraged and explored ways to strengthen economic, cultural, and educational cooperation, and promoted youth exchanges between the sister cities and provinces/states of China and the United States.
37. U.S.-China Governors Forum: To promote U.S.-China sub-national cooperation, the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the U.S. National Governors Association (NGA) decided to co-host the 3rd China-U.S. Governors Forum in California in November 2014. Governors from both China and the United States are to be invited to attend the forum to discuss the economic and trade cooperation, energy saving and emission reduction, climate change, and other issues.
38. EcoPartnerships Signing Ceremony: Launched six new EcoPartnerships and held a signing ceremony of the EcoPartnerships program, witnessed by Secretary of State John Kerry and State Councilor Yang Jiechi, during the sixth S&ED. We have made great strides in the five years of the EcoPartnerships in catalyzing subnational cooperation on climate change, energy, and environmental issues in the United States and China. By bringing together U.S. and Chinese local governments, research institutions, universities, corporations, and non-governmental organizations, EcoPartnerships spur innovation, investment, and progress toward shared goals in both countries. The EcoPartnerships program is an outstanding example of the strength of U.S.-China cooperation on energy and environmental issues under the Ten-Year Framework, and anticipates that these new EcoPartnerships will continue to demonstrate concrete results under TYF action plans.
39. EcoPartnerships Workshop: Held an EcoPartnerships Workshop before the sixth S&ED to exchange lessons learned and best practices in addressing challenges and creating opportunities through EcoPartnerships activities. Participants considered how the program can continue to serve the strategic goals of the Ten-Year Framework through continued collaboration on low-emissions development and environmental action.
40. Eco-City Project: Held two workshops for six Chinese and three U.S. Eco-Cities in July 2013 and February 2014. Decided to foster additional formal interactions between participating city officials, technology providers and energy institutions. ECP members and other U.S. technology providers and national labs are to provide feedback on technology solutions to accelerate energy efficiency in cities and reduce emissions.
41. Mayors’ Training Program: Decided to pursue future mayors’ visits, building upon the success of the fifth Chinese mayors delegation to the United States in November 2013 and second U.S. mayors delegation to China in December 2013.
IV. Cooperation on Energy and Climate Change
42. Shale Gas Study Tour: Organized a study tour funded by the U.S. Trade & Development Agency to bring nine delegates from China’s National Energy Administration and other relevant Chinese entities to visit the United States for two weeks in summer 2014. The study tour offered an opportunity to highlight U.S. practices and technologies in the area of shale gas development.
43. Cooperation on Nuclear Safety and Regulation: In order to ensure the successful construction and safe operation of AP1000 nuclear power reactors, the United States and Chinese nuclear regulators decided to continue cooperation on nuclear safety issues, including sustained regulatory and technical exchanges on the AP1000 nuclear reactor development, and specifically planned to exchange personnel for extended rotations to deepen working-level relationships and share expertise on AP1000 construction and licensing in the coming year; as well as share experience on issues related to operating power reactors such as plant life extension and license renewal issues; and lessons learned from Fukushima including severe accident hardened vents and filtering, and containment strategies to control the release of radioactive materials in case of an accident.
44. Feasibility Study on Energy-Saving Technologies for Green Data Centers: China and the United States decided to support the Chinese Institute of Electronics to conduct a feasibility study on energy-saving technologies of green data centers with funding support from the U.S. Trade & Development Agency.
45. Exchange and Cooperation in Unconventional Oil and Gas Exploration and Development: Since S&ED V, the U.S. Department of State and the Chinese Ministry of Land and Resources (MLR) decided to work together to exchange and learn from each other’s experience in sustainable unconventional gas development as well as in conducting bid rounds and setting contractual terms. To this end, State and MLR jointly held their first regulatory and tendering/contracting workshop in May for Chinese officials from ministries and provincial departments as well as Chinese companies. State and MLR plan to carry out additional workshops, and Chinese officials will visit the United States by this year’s end for further exchange and study. State and MLR are exploring additional direct technical engagement options that will help to create the basis for sustainable unconventional gas development in China.
46. CERC Steering Committee Meeting: The U.S. Department of Energy and China’s Ministry of Science and Technology decided to hold the annual CERC Steering Committee meeting in July 2014 in conjunction with the S&ED.
47. CIT Events at RDTC: In May 2014, DOE/National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and the General Administration of China Customs (GACC) developed a national CIT course at China Customs that trained customs officers to combat the illicit trafficking of WMD-related materials, equipment, components, and technology through familiarization, targeting, and interdiction.
48. Cooperation on Illicit Trafficking: The General Administration of China Customs (GACC) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) are to continue to implement the Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation in Preventing Illicit Trafficking of Nuclear and Other Radioactive Materials between GACC and DOE. DOE/National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and GACC co-hosted their first Asia-Pacific Workshop in January 2014. The workshop was held at GACC’s Radiation Detection Training Center (RDTC) in Qinhuangdao and examined a wide range of topics critical to the operation, maintenance, training and management of radiation detection systems. The workshop culminated in technical demonstration of the RDTC’s capabilities. The two sides decided to carry on technical exchanges and trainings on radiation detection equipment and to hold export control trainings.
49. Preventing Illicit Trafficking Workgroup: DOE/National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and the General Administration of China Customs (GACC) decided to establish a working group to identify and carry out activities identified in the Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation in Preventing Illicit Trafficking of Nuclear and other Radioactive Materials, signed on 11 July 2013.
50. U.S.-China Cooperation on Center of Excellence: Welcomed the positive progress made in the field of Nuclear Security, especially in the projects of the U.S.-China Center of Excellence (COE) on Nuclear Security and conversion of the Miniature Neutron Source Reactor (MNSR) from HEU to low enriched uranium (LEU) fuel. The two sides noted the October 2013 ground breaking ceremony on the Center of Excellence (COE) and look forward to completion of the COE in 2015, as well as continuing regular technical exchanges. The two countries decided to continue cooperation on the conversion of the MNSR at the China Institute of Atomic Energy, continue supporting the IAEA’s efforts to minimize the use of HEU in civilian applications, and discuss collaboration on the conversion of MNSRs in other countries.
51. U.S.-China Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technologies: Held the 9th annual U.S.-China Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technologies (PUNT) Joint Committee Meeting in Washington, D.C., in April 2014. The two sides recognized the progress achieved in each PUNT working group, discussed new issue areas for potential cooperation, and affirmed the need for strengthened technical collaborations in safety, security and safeguards as nuclear power continues to play an important role in meeting global energy needs. The next PUNT JCC meeting is to be held in Beijing in spring 2015.
52. U.S.-China Civil Nuclear Energy Cooperation: Decided to continue civil nuclear safety activities focusing on Probabilistic Safety Assessments through the Nuclear Energy Technology Working Group under the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Technology (PUNT) framework.
53. U.S.-China Civil Nuclear Energy R&D: Decided to continue cooperation under the Bilateral Civil Nuclear Energy Cooperative Action Plan framework. In April 2014, the Action Plan Steering Committee meeting was held consecutively with the PUNT Joint Coordinating Committee Meeting in the Washington, D.C., area. The two sides recognized achievements in long-term R&D collaboration and committed to pursue joint materials and fuels irradiation collaboration.
54. U.S.-China Civil Nuclear Energy R&D: Decided to continue cooperation between the U.S. Department of Energy and the Chinese Academy of Sciences under the Memorandum of Understanding for Nuclear Energy Sciences and Technologies (NEST). The second DOE-CAS executive committee meeting took place in May 2014 at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The next DOE-CAS NEST MOU executive committee meeting is planned for 2015 in China.
55. Nuclear Power Cooperation: The two sides attach great importance to the world’s first batch of AP1000 projects under construction in Sanmen and Haiyang, China, and commit to work toward their successful implementation, where possible. The United States commits to actively discuss issues of quality control and related problems with China.
56. CERC-ACTC: Under the U.S.-China Clean Energy Research Center (CERC) facilitated by the U.S. Department of Energy and China’s Ministry of Science and Technology and National Energy Administration, the Advanced Coal Technology Consortium plans to undertake a joint pre-feasibility study regarding a combined carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS)/fresh-water co-production pilot project, in collaboration with CERC’s private sector partners.
57. Exchange Training Program: Continued the development of the hundred-person exchange training program between the China National Energy Administration and the U.S. Department of Energy to expand information exchange and mutual learning in the energy industry, especially in the cleaner utilization of fossil energy. The two sides committed to hold a three week exchange in China in September, and a reciprocal exchange in the United States in October.
58. Renewable Energy Cooperation: The United States and China committed to continue concrete U.S.-China renewable energy cooperation by pursuing joint projects involving the working groups under the U.S.-China Renewable Energy Partnership: (1) policy, planning and coordination, (2) grid integration, (3) standards, testing and certification, (4) solar, and (5) wind.
59. Electric Vehicles and Industrial Energy Efficiency Cooperation: The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China and the U.S. Department of Energy signed a Memorandum of Understand on Electric Vehicle and Industrial Energy Efficiency Cooperation in Beijing on July 10, 2014. Under this framework, the two sides commit to conduct cooperation in the fields of electric vehicles and related technologies, as well as energy efficiency improvement for energy-using terminal products.
60. Strategic Cooperation on “Digital Energy”: Held a workshop between China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the U.S. Department of Commerce with support from the U.S. Trade & Development Agency to conduct an exchange on “Digital Energy” in order to promote information and communication technologies (ICT)-enabled energy efficiency and emission reduction, and to facilitate cooperation between Chinese and U.S. businesses.
61. Energy Regulation Collaboration: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the National Energy Administration (NEA) committed to continue cooperation on energy regulation policy including sharing information about regulatory experiences and practices in a series of digital video conferences beginning with topics such as electricity pricing, electricity markets, renewable energy integration, and distributed energy development; and participating in a series of smart grid workshops and a U.S. Trade & Development Agency-funded study tour to the United States in 2014 focused on smart grid policy, regulation, technology, and demonstration projects. This serves as a follow-up to the 2012 Smart Grid Dialogue, and the demonstration projects for the study tour will be under the aegis of the Climate Change Working Group (CCWG) Smart Grids Initiative.
62. U.S.-China Climate Change Working Group: Recognizing the urgent need for ambitious action to combat climate change, the United States and China continued to strengthen cooperation on climate change, finalizing the implementation plans and announcing progress under five CCWG initiatives, including heavy-duty and other vehicles, smart grids, carbon capture, use, and storage, energy efficiency in buildings and industry, and collecting and managing greenhouse gas emissions data. The CCWG also announced one new initiative on climate change and forests and a study on reducing emissions from industrial boilers, reaffirmed cooperation to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and deepened cooperation in the CCWG Enhanced Policy Dialogue.
63. Carbon Capture Use and Storage: The two sides jointly held a workshop in April 2014 in Beijing that engaged CCUS-related industrial and academic leaders from both countries, where participants provided input on CCUS issues to the government hosts and cooperation opportunities were identified among them. Building on companies’ cooperation intentions and interests, four large-scale counter-facing carbon capture, use and storage demonstration projects connecting partners and projects in both countries were announced on July 8, 2014. Additional activities are to include but are not limited to a future U.S.-hosted study tour to share expertise and best practices related to CCUS technology and demonstration projects.
64. Smart Grids: Under the U.S.-China CCWG, the two sides plan to undertake four collaborative smart grid projects, two in China and two in the United States, and an agreed framework for the common project cost/benefit methodology. An additional smart grid work stream is to include smart grid workshops and a smart grid study tour to the United States in 2014 focused on smart grid policy, regulation, and demonstration projects.
65. Heavy-Duty and Other Vehicles: The United States intends to develop new greenhouse gas emissions and fuel economy standards for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles for post-2018 model years, to be finalized by the end of 2016. China intends to develop new fuel efficiency standards for heavy- and light-duty vehicles for 2020 model years, to be finalized by the end of 2016. China is to develop the China VI emission standards for light- and heavy-duty vehicles, to be finalized approximately by the end of 2017. China is to fast-track the implementation of China V fuel quality standards for gasoline and diesel in three major regions by the end of 2015 and is to further develop and expand the China Green Freight Initiative.
66. Energy Efficiency: The Department of Energy and the Department of State on the U.S. side and the National Development and Reform Commission on the Chinese side developed an Opportunity Analysis outlining U.S. and Chinese energy savings performance contracting (ESPC) markets and launched an industry-led working group that will help develop key resources and foster ESPC pilot projects. The United States joined the China-led Task Group within the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation that is to develop a methodology to identify the best available technologies and practices to improve energy efficiency in certain sectors and disseminate Top 10 lists. The United States and China are to cooperate to harmonize test methods and share best practices between the U.S. ENERGY STAR Program and China’s Energy Saving Product Certification Program.
67. Collecting and Managing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Data: The United States and China are to hold two capacity-building workshops and carry out one study tour to the United States to enhance China’s capacity on greenhouse gas (GHG) measurement, reporting and verification methodologies, greenhouse gas thresholds, and integrated data management systems in specific sectors.
68. Climate Change and Forests: The United States and China declared their support for conserving and sustainably managing forests globally, recognizing their importance in mitigating climate change and building resilience, among other benefits. The two sides decided to include a new initiative on Climate Change and Forests in the U.S.-China Climate Change Working Group. The two sides are to further develop the work plan for this initiative.
69. Study on Boiler Efficiency and Fuel Switching: Recognizing that the industrial sector is a major consumer of energy and source of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, the United States and China decided to expand industrial energy efficiency collaboration to foster deeper retrofits of key energy consuming systems, and analyze the costs, benefits, and technical feasibility of fuel switching in industrial steam and process heating systems.
70. Cooperation Projects under the CCWG: Under the framework of the CCWG, eight pairs of companies and academic institutes from two countries decided to conduct additional cooperation projects based on their previous collaborations. The areas of focus for these projects include carbon capture, utilization and storage, hydrofluorocarbons, and low carbon transformation of certain industries and cities. These projects illustrate the strong existing relationships between a variety of partners from two countries, as well as their potential to grow. The two sides held a signing ceremony for these projects on July 8, 2014.
71. Enhanced Climate Policy Dialogue: China and the United States are to work together, within the vehicle of the U.S.-China CCWG, to collaborate through enhanced policy dialogue, including the sharing of information regarding their respective post-2020 plans to limit greenhouse gas emissions.
72. Phasing Down Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs): Recalled and reaffirmed the agreement reached by President Xi Jinping and President Barack Obama last year regarding HFCs. The two sides are to also take national actions and promote bilateral cooperation to achieve meaningful progress in phasing down HFCs.
73. Aviation Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction: Decided to strengthen policy dialogue and practical cooperation on Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction for the aviation sector through U.S.-China Aviation Cooperation Program activities supported by the U.S. Trade & Development Agency.
V. Cooperation on Environmental Protection
74. Air Quality: The two sides carried out exchanges on regional air-quality management and control of fine-particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone; capacity building on motor vehicle emissions testing controls and compliance; and the monitoring systems for mercury controls and continuous emissions of the power generation sector. The two sides plan to cooperate in pollution prevention and multi-pollutant control of air emissions from the power generation and industrial sources and regional air-quality management; further promote collaboration in Jiangsu Province on air-quality-planning best practices; explore opportunities to promote the clean action plan for heavy-duty diesel vehicles, and enhance procedures for testing emissions and fuel efficiency for heavy-duty vehicles.
75. Water Quality: The two sides continued to cooperate on source-water lake protection with expanded analysis of economic policies for water quality management to foster the Sister-Lake Cooperation between the State of Minnesota and Hubei Province. The parties plan to continue to promote exchanges in groundwater protection/remediation technology and services related to monitoring, remediation, standards development, and the nexus between water and energy. Officials and industry experts from the two sides are collaborating to improve groundwater quality through pilot projects in monitoring and control measures, as well as improving policies and regulations.
76. Environmental Laws and Institutions: The two sides shared information for revisions to China’s environmental framework and air pollution control laws and information for new legislative provisions on environmental information disclosure and public participation, public interest litigation, environmental litigation and adjudication, and administrative decision-making. The two sides planned to continue collaboration on the development, implementation, compliance, enforcement, and adjudication of environmental laws. Three Environmental Legislation seminars were held in Beijing during 2011-2012 and a fourth Environmental Legislation seminar is slated for July 11, 2014.
77. Other Environmental Areas: The two sides continued communication and exchange on the environmental management of new chemicals, mercury emissions inventory and clean production for polyvinyl chloride, and shared industry guidance and training for environmental emergency preparedness and response. The two sides plan to continue to cooperate on chemical risk management and mercury emissions reduction from the polyvinyl-chloride industry; establish frameworks and systems for the management of contaminated sites; strengthen capacity for performance assessment; enhance effective environmental compliance assistance; deter and punish environmental violations; improve capacity to achieve sustainable delivery of environmental enforcement; enhance environmental emergency preparedness and response; and build legal, regulatory and enforcement capability to address PM2.5 and volatile-organic-compounds emissions.
78. Forest Health Management: The Chinese State Forestry Administration (SFA) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) reinforced their long-standing, mutually beneficial collaboration in a Joint Working Group meeting on June 10-12, 2014. The two agencies determined cooperative activities for the next three years under the umbrella of green growth and low-carbon economy, including cooperation at the forest management unit (FMU), forest corridor and wildlife habitat improvement and restoration through forest management in partnership with the Memphis Zoo. The two sides also committed to explore the possibility of pairing research laboratories on forest biological control.
79. APFNet: Committed to explore opportunities for cooperation and participation in APFNet’s activities to mutually promote sustainable forest management and rehabilitation in the Asia-Pacific region.
80. Nature Conservation: The Chinese State Forestry Administration (SFA) and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) held a Joint Committee meeting April 23-25, 2014, under the Nature Conservation Protocol. The two agencies reviewed cooperation in 2011-2013 and decided on activities for 2014-2016. The activities are to focus on improving conservation in fisheries, wetlands, nature reserve management, visitor services and environmental education, and implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
VI. Cooperation on Science, Technology, and Agriculture
81. Ocean Climatic Observation: The State Oceanic Administration (SOA) of the People’s Republic of China and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the United States decided to jointly develop an Indian-Southern Oceans Climatic Observation, Reanalysis and Prediction (ISOCORE) Science Plan.
82. Open Agriculture Data: The Chinese side is to actively formulate and implement an action plan which will facilitate and achieve the goal of easing food security problems by making the production, supply, price, and import and export data, as well as other research data, open, accessible, and machine-readable.
83. Bilateral Exchanges on Fisheries: Recognizing our mutual interest in healthy oceans and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, and our important roles as fishing nations, the two sides re-established regular U.S.-China fisheries dialogues to discuss issues of mutual interest related to the science and management of fisheries and aquaculture, with a first meeting to take place in the summer of 2015, followed by regular meetings, as appropriate.
84. Joint Research on Severe Weather Monitoring: Enhanced data and information exchange and cooperation on the joint research and development of monitoring, warning and risk assessment technology for severe weather and climate, such as hurricane (typhoon), strong convective weather, droughts, high temperature, and heat waves, in order to jointly improve the ability to respond to severe weather and climate events.
85. NOAA-CMA Joint Research and Greenhouse Gas Monitoring: Committed to strengthen joint research between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the China Meteorological Administration (CMA) through the U.S.-China Science and Technology Agreement, to improve continuity of networks and enhance capabilities for observing and understanding the behavior of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
86. Collaborative Projects and Exchanges on Food Security: Decided to increase exchanges in science, technology, and policy to enhance the pragmatic cooperation between the United States and China in food security, food safety, and sustainable agriculture. Decided to pursue concrete opportunities for collaborative projects on food security in multilateral fora, such as on food loss in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, responsible agricultural investment in the United Nations Committee on World Food Security, and the “Zero Hunger Challenge” via U.N. Rome-based agencies (Food and Agriculture Organization, World Food Program, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development).
87. Satellite Collision Avoidance: Reaffirmed orbital collision avoidance serves the common interest of the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs committed to provide e-mail contact information for appropriate Chinese entities responsible for spacecraft operations and conjunction assessment, allowing these entities to receive Close Approach Notifications directly from the United States Department of Defense. The two sides also committed to continue discussions on China designating a point of contact to access more detailed technical collision avoidance information through United States Strategic Command’s www.space-track.org site.
88. Minamata Convention on Mercury: Underscored the important contribution of the Minamata Convention on Mercury toward protecting human health and the environment and committed to exchange information on measures each country has taken to meet the requirements of the Convention. The two sides committed to work together under the auspices of the Convention to encourage countries to take as soon as possible the necessary domestic measures to enable ratification and implementation of the Convention.
VII. Cooperation on Health
89. Clean Cookstoves: As partners to the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves (Alliance), the two sides decided to further strengthen their cooperation on clean cookstoves. NDRC Vice Chairman Xie Zhenhua and EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy have both joined the Alliance’s Leadership Council. Under the framework of the MOU between NDRC and the United Nations Foundation, the China Cookstoves and Fuels International Conference was successfully held this May in Beijing, the focus of which was the progress and future of clean cookstoves in China, South-South cooperation, and technological and financial issues related to clean cookstoves. China is to further promote the development of the Chinese cookstoves industry and increase the adoption of clean cookstoves to improve the health and lives of its people and environment and to help the Alliance reach its ambitious goals for the large-scale global adoption of clean stoves and fuels for cooking; the United States committed to provide technical assistance toward any cookstoves efforts China undertakes in cooperation with the Alliance with regard to health, climate, and air quality. The two sides decided to further partner under the Alliance and fully implement the MOU, including continuing to work together to support and advance the international process to develop standards for clean, safe, and efficient cooking stoves and fuels.
90. U.S.-China Healthcare Cooperation Program: In support of the U.S.-China Healthcare Cooperation Program, the U.S. Trade & Development Agency committed to continue support for workshops focused on healthcare IT, new technologies and concepts, and hospital management, to take place in various Chinese cities this year in coordination with China’s Health Human Resources Development Center.
91. Healthcare Reform: Committed to continue strengthening dialogue and exchange in healthcare reform, and to continue sharing experiences concerning the general practitioner system, medical insurance, medical information technology, hospital management, and related issues. The Fourth U.S.-China Health Summit to be held in Nanjing, China, in October 2014 is to be supported by the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China and the Department of Health and Human Services of the United States.
92. Infectious Disease Response: The Department of Health and Human Services of the United States and the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China have decided to continue to strengthen collaboration on emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, including influenza, multi-drug resistant tuberculosis, and malaria. The two sides are to continue to participate in the Global Health Security Agenda and work with relevant organizations and countries to accelerate the prioritization of global health security across sectors and regions. This commitment strengthens and further supports our partnership on the prevention and detection of, and response to, infectious diseases.
93. Smoke-Free Workplaces: Committed to further engage corporate partners for the implementation of the U.S.-China Smoke-Free Workplaces initiative (CUSW), a public-private partnership launched in 2012 to promote smoke-free policies in the workplace. The two countries decided to continue to promote, expand, and advance the interests of this effort within the private and public sectors. They are to push forward the cooperation in tobacco control by holding an event to summarize the achievements of Phase I and initiate Phase II of the U.S.-CUSW. Building on the experiences of CUSW, the two countries decided to support the CUSW secretariat to develop a public-private platform for experience sharing and to further promote and enable private sector leadership for health promotion in the workplace.
94. Anti-Malaria Cooperation: Decided to continue collaborating on malaria and drug-resistant malaria control strategy through technical dialogue and information sharing. Through the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative, the government of the United States is to collaborate with China to strengthen the capacity of Mekong region countries to carry out effective malaria monitoring, prevention and control, including implementation of effective measures to combat anti-malarial drug resistance.
VIII. Bilateral Dialogues on Energy, Environment, Science and Technology
95. Ten-Year Framework on Energy and Environment Cooperation (TYF): The two sides decided to continue to promote progress and cooperation under the seven TYF action plans: clean water; clean air; clean and efficient transportation; clean, reliable and efficient electricity; nature reserves/protected areas; wetlands cooperation; and energy efficiency; and to further implement the EcoPartnerships program. U.S. and Chinese senior policy and technical experts convened for the ninth Joint Working Group meeting in Washington on March 17-18, 2014, when they considered their cooperation under the TYF to be achieving important outcomes in areas of significance for both countries and the global community. In a new approach to the TYF meeting format, the TYF invited outside experts to engage U.S. and Chinese officials on the growing challenges that urban areas face in addressing the nexus between energy and water. The participants engaged in a dynamic, substantive exchange, and recognized the energy-water nexus work under one of the EcoPartnerships program initiatives.
96. Forging the Path to a Greener Future: U.S.-China Energy and Environment Cooperation under the Ten-Year Framework: The two sides jointly reviewed the five years’ progress of the TYF. They issued a joint report on the occasion of the sixth S&ED, with sections on “Building the Foundations for Continued Partnership” and “Looking Ahead,” marking 2014 as the half-way point of the TYF, to highlight prominent achievements during the course of the TYF’s first five years and expectations for future directions in the seven TYF action plans. The Five-Year Report, Forging the Path to a Greener Future: U.S.-China Energy and Environmental Cooperation Under the Ten-Year Framework, will raise public awareness in both countries of the TYF’s practical achievements and the promise of further U.S.-China cooperation in addressing our shared environmental and energy challenges.
97. The Clean and Efficient Transportation Action Plan under the TYF: Since 2013, the Clean and Efficient Transportation Action Plan under the TYF has advanced the Livability Information Exchange Project and selected site visits to cities for the purpose of enriching mutual understanding on transportation-related aspects of livability; established clean vehicles industry-academia-research alliance and U.S.-China biofuel joint research center, hosted the third U.S.-China Advanced Biofuels Forum, the U.S.-China Aviation Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction Strategic Forum; jointly conducted U.S.-China energy research project and strategic study on China sustainable aviation biofuels; conducted training on U.S.-China aviation energy conservation and emission reduction cooperation as well as pollution prevention and treatment of vehicles.
98. Energy Efficiency Forum: Held the fifth Energy Efficiency Forum in Beijing on June 10-11, 2014, and decided to conduct the next Forum in the United States in 2015. Participants evaluated opportunities for cooperation between the governments and enterprises of the two countries. Participants joined site visits before the Forum, further exploring cooperative opportunities. Both countries committed to maintain a focus on mutually beneficial opportunities to enhance energy efficiency in industrial facilities, buildings, consumer products, and cities.
99. DOE-CAS Third Joint Committee Meeting: A Third Joint Coordinating Committee Meeting in energy-related sciences between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) was held in June 2014. DOE and CAS discussed ongoing and potential collaborative projects in the areas of high-energy physics, nuclear physics, fusion energy, basic energy sciences, as well as highlighting climate science-related cooperation.
100. APEC Energy Ministerial: In 2014, China is to host the APEC Energy Ministerial in Beijing. The United States supports China’s proposal to establish the APEC Sustainable Energy Center to facilitate the development of clean, renewable and sustainable energy use, promote technology cooperation on sustainable energy, and thus boost sustainable development.
101. 2014 U.S.-China Fossil Energy Protocol Coordinators Meeting: Proposed to hold the 2014 U.S.-China Fossil Energy Protocol Coordinators Meeting in the United States later this year, to be co-chaired by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China and Department of Energy of the United States, to review activities of the past year and agree on new priorities, missions, and activities for future collaborations.
102. Energy Policy Dialogue: The U.S. Department of Energy and the National Energy Administration (NEA) of China held the first Energy Policy Dialogue at the Secretary/Minister level in October 2013 in China.
103. Oil and Gas Industry Forum: Decided to hold the 14th Oil and Gas Industry Forum (OGIF) in the United States, September 24-26, 2014.
104. Advanced Biofuels Forum: Decided to hold the Fourth Advanced Biofuels Forum in the United States in 2015.
105. Renewable Energy Industries Forum: Held the third Forum in China in July 2013, with the fourth Forum scheduled to take place in the United States in early 2015. The focus will be emerging opportunities for government and industry collaboration in the areas of policy planning, wind and solar deployment, renewable energy integration with the grid, and standards development.
106. Bilateral Forum on Combating Illegal Logging and Associated Trade: The two sides decided to hold the sixth meeting of the China-U.S. Bilateral Forum on Combating Illegal Logging and Associated Trade at a mutually agreed time in the second half of 2014 or first half of 2015 in China to continue their cooperation.
107. Space Cooperation: Committed to establish bilateral government-to-government consultation mechanisms and hold regular meetings on outer space activities.
108. SOA-NOAA Joint Working Group Meeting and Marine Science Forum: The State Oceanic Administration (SOA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) plan to hold the 19th Joint Working Group Meeting on Marine and Fishery Science and Technology Cooperation in summer/fall 2014 and are to hold the 3rd NOAA-SOA Marine Science Forum in 2015.
109. Seminar on Earthquake Studies: Announced that the China Earthquake Administration, United States Geological Survey and National Science Foundation planned to jointly hold the U.S.-China Seminar on Earthquake Studies in 2015 in Washington, DC, in order to improve earthquake research capacities.
110. Joint Working Group on Environmental Research: Announced joint cooperation under the MOU between the Environmental Protection Agency and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) in the following areas: infrastructure and sustainable development for water systems; remediation technologies for contaminated soil and ground water; chemical screening methodologies; remediation of soil polluted by heavy metals and PAHs; field testing air monitoring technologies; and characterizing motor vehicle emissions. The Ministries are considering incorporating existing collaboration on cookstoves under the MOU workplan, and are also exploring dates for the meeting of the Joint Working Group on Environmental Research in 2014 in Beijing.
111. Second MOST-EPA Joint Working Group Meeting on Environmental Science and Technology Cooperation: It is expected that the meeting of the Joint Working Group on Environmental Research will be held in Beijing in August or September 2014. Vice Minister Wang Weizhong of MOST and EPA’s Acting Assistant Administrator for Research and Development are to co-chair the meeting. The two sides plan to hold in-depth discussions on topics of mutual concern and step up efforts on current projects and new highlights of bilateral environmental S&T cooperation.
112. Joint Committee Meeting on Science and Technology Cooperation: Welcomed continued efforts to enhance science and technology cooperation through a September 12, 2014, Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) on Science and Technology Cooperation to be held in Washington, DC, and led by Minister of Science and Technology Wan Gang and Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) John Holdren. The co-chairs decided that the JCM is to assess progress on the 2013 Executive Secretaries Meeting (ESM) Action Plan in light of science and technology policy priorities of both countries. Under the auspices of the JCM, OSTP and the Ministry of Science and Technology held the Innovation Dialogue on July 8, 2014. The dialogue provided a framework to discuss innovation policies of the United States and China and included participation from relevant ministries and agencies from both countries, nongovernmental innovation policy experts, and private-sector representatives.
113. Joint Committee on Environmental Cooperation: The Ministry of Environmental Protection of China and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency jointly convened the Fourth Meeting of the U.S.-China Joint Committee on Environmental Cooperation in Beijing, China, December 9, 2013. The Meeting reviewed cooperation in the development, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws and technical capacity in areas including air, water, persistent organic pollutants and other toxics substances, hazardous and solid waste, as well as work relating to environmental laws and institutions, and approved work plans for the next two years.
114. Two Workshops Under the MOST-HHS/NIH Joint Working Group on Health Science and Technology: With an aim to promote exchange and cooperation in the area of health S&T, MOST and U.S. HHS/NIH decided to co-chair U.S.-China Clinical and Translational Medical Science Workshop in the United States in July and plan to co-chair U.S.-China Peer Review and Project Management Workshop in China in the spring 2015.
115. The 12th USDA-MOST Joint Working Group (JWG) Meeting on Agricultural Science and Technology Cooperation: Decided to hold the 12th USDA-MOST Joint Working Group Meeting on Agricultural Science and Technology Cooperation in China in July 2014. The meeting is to be co-chaired by Dr. Woteki, Under Secretary and Chief Scientist of the Department of Agriculture of the United States (USDA), and Vice Minister Zhang Laiwu of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (MOST). The two sides have decided to initiate collaborative projects in such priority areas as agricultural biotechnology, water-saving technology, and gene bank technology and practices under the U.S.-China Agricultural Research Flagship Program.
116. The Second Annual Symposium on Agriculture: Committed to hold the Second U.S.-China High-Level Agricultural Symposium in November 2014 alongside the APEC Leaders Summit. The respective heads of state are invited to attend the Symposium and provide remarks.
Annex: Report of the U.S.-China Climate Change Working Group to the Strategic and Economic Dialogue
