The Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED) between the United States and China helps the two countries establish new habits of cooperation, said a senior U.S. official Friday.

The SED "keeps the relationship on an even keel by lessening miscommunication and dispelling misperceptions so common in the history of the U.S.-China relationship," said Alan Holmer, special envoy for China, at a press conference.

The SED was not just an event that happens at Cabinet-level meetings twice a year, "rather, engagement is continuous, with progress announced throughout the year," said Holmer.

The upcoming third meeting of the SED, to be held next week in Beijing, will focus on trade integrity, balanced growth, energy conservation, financial sector reform and spurring investment, he said.

There were hopes for some progress in cooperation on energy conservation and the environment during the meetings, he added.

The SED, launched by U.S. President George W. Bush and Chinese President Hu Jintao in September 2006, is a forum for discussion on ongoing bilateral economic issues, cross-cutting issues and long-term strategic challenges.

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, joined by Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt, U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab, Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner, and other officials, will travel to China for the meeting.

Source: Xinhua