On May 19, 2008, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jieyi met with President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber Institute for 21st Century Energy James L. Jones, a former Marine Corps general. Jones extended profound condolences to the victims of the devastating earthquake in Sichuan and expressed great admiration and appreciation for the swift, effective actions of the Chinese government in disaster relief. Liu thanked for support and assistance of the international community including the United States and briefed the U.S. guest on China's disaster relief efforts. Both sides also exchanged views on China-U.S. cooperation on energy, environmental protection and climate change.