For the world's most important bilateral economic relationships — the China-US economic relationships, this year has been an unusual one. Dialogues, exchanges and cooperation have been strengthen between the world's top two economies since China's smooth leadership transition and the successful reelection of US President Barack Obama earlier this year. The reform initiatives proposed at China's recently concluded Third Plenum will also create more opportunities for broader win-win economic cooperation between the two highly complementary economies. The China-US economic relationships are poised to grow to new heights.

As the China-US economic ties deepen, what will emerge as the new possibilities for the bilateral economic cooperation between China and the United States? How does the US government see the growing Chinese investment in the world's largest economy? How will the so-call Chinese Dream affect the US economy and China-US economic ties?

As undersecretary for international trade at the US Department of Commerce, Francisco Sánchez is one of the few elites who can provide the most authoritative answers to these questions. Mr. Sánchez heads up the US International Trade Administration (ITA), which addresses market access and compliance issues, and has led international trade missions to China many times.

He joined the Elite Talk show to talk about the ever-growing China-US commercial ties, the expanding Chinese investment in the United States and China's hotly-discussed new catchphrase — the Chinese Dream.

New possibilities for China-US economic cooperation

This year has seen impressive development in the China-US economic relationships as dialogues, exchanges and cooperation have been strengthen between the world's top two economies.

The world's biggest developing country and the biggest developed country are both at a pivotal stage for setting a new course for the future, and a strengthened, cooperative economic relationship will not only be beneficial to the two highly complementary economies, but will also make dramatic contributions to the entire world.

China and the United States recently concluded their first Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) since the new Chinese and US administrations took office, agreeing to remove some trade barriers and build a foundation for the new model of major power relations.

As the China-US economic ties deepen, what will emerge as the new possibilities for the bilateral economic cooperation between China and the United States? [Read more]

Growing Chinese investment: A threat or a boon to US?

For the world's most important bilateral economic relationships, an increasingly important part is investment. Robust two-way investment is a source of tremendous benefits to both China and the United States and would strengthen the China-US bilateral economic ties.

Bilateral investment between China and the United States has expanded substantially over the past few years, and the pace and magnitude are expected to grow continually, as China is encouraging domestic companies to invest abroad while the United States is advancing its SelectUSA initiative to attract foreign investment.

However, in recent years, some Chinese investments in the US were frustrated by regulatory resistance — transactions were blocked for so-called "national security" reasons; and some politicians even view Chinese investment as a threat.

What exactly is the US government's attitude toward the growing Chinese investment in its country? [Read more]

US Undersecretary of Commerce sheds light on China-US BIT

For the China-US economic relationships, two-way investment plays an increasingly important role in advancing the commercial ties. China and the US have initiated substantive talks on a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), which would greatly boost two-way direct investment between the world's top two trading powers.

The BIT, once signed, could open a new chapter for the China-US bilateral economic cooperation, as it would allow US companies greater access to the Chinese market while assuring a fair treatment of the growing Chinese investment in the US.

Although China and the US have both made their commitment to substantive negotiations on the BIT, no specific timetable has been given; and some entrepreneurs recently called for the BIT negotiations to be resumed.

What is the latest information on the BIT talks between China and the US? [Read more]

A reading of the Chinese Dream from Francisco Sánchez

Every great power has its own pursuits and dreams, so does China. When Chinese new President Xi Jinping came into power with a fresh catchphrase – the Chinese Dream, it soon became a favored topic.

While the vintage, widely understood American Dream is known for its "equal opportunity" for prosperity and success, views on the newborn Chinese Dream are still diverse and colorful.

US Undersecretary of Commerce Francisco Sánchez shares with us his takes on the Chinese Dream from an economic perspective. [Read more]