Later today here in Beijing, the top economic policy makers from both China and the United States will begin the latest round of the semi-annual Strategic Economic Dialogue.  Launched in 2006, the SED acts as a forum for both sides to address issues of common concern, such as macroeconomic policy, bilateral trade and so on.  But of course, with the current global economic situation, much of the discussion is likely to surround ways in which both countries can work together to get things back on track.  This round of the SED also comes during a political transition in Washington, with the Obama administration set to take office in January.  So what specifics will Beijing be looking for from Washington, and vice versa?  And what can we expect from the incoming Obama administration when it comes to trade relations with China? 

Ni hao, you're listening to  People In the Know, your window into the world around you, online at crienglish.com here on China Radio International.  In this edition of the show we'll be discussing the Strategic Economic Dialogue.  So let's get started.

(Music)

First we'll get a Chinese perspective on the Strategic Economic Dialogue.  Professor Zhao Zhongxiu is the Dean of the School of International Trade and Economics at the University of International Business and Economics here in Beijing.

(Dialogue with Zhao)

And after a short break, we'll get a US perspective.

(Promo)

Ni hao, you're listening to  People In the Know, your window into the world around you, online at crienglish.com here on China Radio International.  I'm Paul James in Beijing.  In this edition of the program we're talking about the latest round of the Strategic Economic Dialogue between China and the United States which starts later today here in Beijing.  For more on this from the American perspective we're joined on the line now by Professor Gary Bertsch, Director of the Center for International Trade and Security at the University of Georgia.

(Dialogue with Bertsch)

And with that we close out this edition of  People In the Know, online at crienglish.com here on China Radio International.  With the world economy in the state it is right now, it's sessions like the Strategic Economic Dialogue which will help not only China and the US, but other countries around the world as well, start marching to the same economic beat.  Questions or comments for us can be sent to people@cri.com.cn.  For Executive Director Zhao Yang and Producers Xu Yang and Chen Mo, I'm Paul James in Beijing.  We'll talk to you tomorrow.