On September 24, 2007, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi attended and addressed a dialogue meeting of the U.S. Council on Foreign Relations in New York, elaborating China's policy proposals on developing Sino-U.S. ties.

Yang pointed out that despite some twists and turns in Sino-U.S. relations over the past 35 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, bilateral ties have always been developing and have witnessed new progress in recent years. The Sino-U.S. relations have been defined more clearly in a strategic sense with the two countries as both stakeholders and constructive partners. China and the United States, as important trading partners, have expanded exchanges in all areas and maintained communication and coordination on hotspot and transnational issues, he said. Bilateral exchange mechanisms have been enriched, covering areas of politics, economy, military affairs, law enforcement, science and technology, education, energy, environmental protection and aviation.

Noting some differences and issues yet to be properly addressed between the two countries, Yang said China and the U.S. should seize the opportunity and eliminate interference to implement a range of important consensus reached by the two heads of state so as to push forward Sino-U.S. constructive cooperative ties. He urged both sides to focus on the following five aspects. First, strive to enhance strategic mutual trust to provide political guarantee for bilateral ties. Second, properly handle the Taiwan question to safeguard common strategic interests of both countries. Third, expand and deepen economic and trade cooperation to promote common interest as link of bilateral ties. Fourth, strengthen communication and coordination in international and regional issues. Fifth, promote people-to-people exchanges in various forms to expand the social basis of bilateral ties.

After his speech, Yang took questions from the audience.