MOUNT VERNON, VA—On June 22, high-ranking government officials from the United States and China gathered at George Washington’s Mount Vernon for an event marking the start of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED) and the Consultation on People-to-People Exchange (CPE).
During the Mount Vernon event, Secretary of State John F. Kerry and Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew stood in front of George Washington’s iconic mansion to formally welcome to the nation’s capital Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and Vice Premier Wang Yang.
By choosing Mount Vernon as the host site for the opening dinner, U.S. government officials continued a storied tradition of receiving international leaders at the home of the first president. 
“Since George Washington’s time, Mount Vernon has proudly welcomed some of the world’s most influential leaders for historic gatherings, and last night was no exception,” said Mount Vernon’s president, Curt Viebranz. “We are honored that Mount Vernon would serve as the backdrop for an event that will foster stronger relations between our two countries.”
Now in its seventh year, the S&ED is a two-day meeting in which top U.S. and Chinese officials discuss important topics, including energy usage and environmental concerns.
###
Photo credit: U.S. Department of State
