On May 19, 2008, Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jieyi met with a U.S. delegation of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs (CCGA) headed by its president Marshall Bouton. The U.S. side expressed sincere condolences over the heavy casualties and property losses caused by the devastating earthquake in Sichuan. Liu expressed gratitude and briefed the guests on China's disaster relief. Both sides exchanged views on Sino-U.S. relations as well as issues of common concern.