China and the United States will hold the fifth Strategic Economic Dialogue from December 4 to 5 in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang announced yesterday.

Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan and US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson will co-chair the SED as special representatives of heads of state of the two countries, Qin said at a regular press conference. The fifth dialogue, with the theme of "laying the foundation for a long-term Sino-US economic partnership," will cover such topics as strategies to manage macro-economic risks and to promote a balanced economic development, strengthening energy and environmental cooperation, coping with trade challenges, promoting an open investment environment and international economic cooperation.

(Shanghai Daily November 26, 2008)