(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-12-15 15:18

WASHINGTON -- Two US lawmakers said on Friday that the Strategic Economic Dialogue was critical to US-China relationship.

"Overall, the results of the SED are positive and encouraging," said Mark Kirk and Rick Larsen, co-chairs of the US-China Working Group in the US House of Representatives.

"Secretary Paulson negotiated several breakthroughs in the financial services sector which will lead to long-term stability for the Chinese economy and greater access for foreign investors," said the two lawmakers in a statement.

The SED also produced watershed agreements in the area of greatest potential for U.S.-China cooperation -- environmental protection -- including sulfur fuels, biofuels, illegal logging and emissions trading," they added.

US relationship with China will be the most important diplomatic relationship of the 21st century, and continuing the high-level conversations between the two countries will be critical to continued progress on the issues that matter to the American people, according to the statement.

"The US Congress needs to realize that one of the best ways to get progress with the Chinese is to bring them to the table," said the two lawmakers. "If Congress -- as well as the next President -- support a strong SED, there will be more opportunities to solve our ongoing challenges with China."