US presses China to advance market-opening moves

AFP, June, 2008

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland (AFP) — US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson on Tuesday called on China to press further on market-opening measures despite a troubled global economy as the two nations opened high-level talks.

As talks kicked off in Annapolis, Maryland, east of the US capital, Paulson said the economic difficulties facing both China and the United States should not lead to restrictions on trade and investment.

"As we manage through the current challenges, we must also focus on the long-term fundamentals that underlie sustainable growth in both our nations," said Paulson, who led the US side to the two-day cabinet-level "strategic economic dialogue" (SED) at the US Naval Academy.

Paulson said he would "highlight how free trade, competition and open...