On December 9, 2011, Vice Premier Li Keqiang met with former U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson at the Great Hall of the People.

"As major countries with great influence, China and the United States will benefit from long-term, sound and stable bilateral ties, which will also benefit the world at large," Li said. Both countries are bearing greater common responsibilities and deepening cooperation has become even more important and urgent as the global political and economic situation is changing dramatically, Li said. He proposed the two sides properly steer the development of bilateral ties and join to build a mutually beneficial cooperative partnership based on mutual respect.

China will, in the complicated context of world economy, implement its economic and social development plan for the coming five years, stimulate domestic demand, especially consumption, while furthering its opening-up process to fuel economic growth, he said. China will strengthen cooperation with other countries to share opportunities and achieve a win-win situation. As the two economies are highly complementary, economic and trade cooperation between the two countries is an important foundation and driving force for bilateral relations. He urged the United States and China to properly handle problems and differences via equal negotiations. He also urged the U.S. to take concrete steps to remove unreasonable restrictions in order to bolster trade and economic cooperation and promote economic growth of the two countries.

Paulson said as the world today is facing many challenges, it is imperative for the U.S. and China to enhance cooperation. He pledged to further contribute to bilateral relations.