On August 14, 2012, according to relevant arrangements of the fourth round of Sino-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED), China and the United States held the first round of vice minister-level consultations on the Middle East affairs in Beijing.

Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met with U.S. Under Secretary of State Wendy R. Sherman who is here for consultations. Yang pointed out that China and the U.S., both permanent members of the Security Council of the United Nations, should further strengthen communication on the Middle East affairs and make positive contributions to regional peace, stability and development.

Vice Foreign Minister Zhai Jun and Under Secretary of State Sherman co-chaired the consultations. The two sides exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East, energy security, Syria, Iran, the Middle East peace process and other regional issues, pledging to keep regular communication on relevant regional issues.

Vice Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai and Assistant Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu also met separately with the U.S. delegation.