The seventh round of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue took place in Washington, D.C., over three days last month and included participation from senior officials from both governments. The two sides held discussions on major bilateral, regional, and global issues, including many having an impact on business and trade.

Cargo security: The Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the General Administration of China Customs (GACC) agreed to increase cooperation on the Container Security Initiative (CSI) and decided to expand the program to additional Chinese ports. CBP and GACC will expand CSI to address all types of customs violations, increase the number of inspections conducted by GACC and observed by CBP, and begin the process to post GACC officers at the Port of Long Beach in California. The two sides intend to continue to develop a joint training program for customs personnel.

Maritime safety and security: The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), the China Coast Guard, and the China Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) will conduct mutual vessel visits in 2015 to share ideas and best practices and to promote deeper understanding and cooperation. The USCG and MSA continue to explore joint enforcement of international dangerous cargo laws and develop a personnel and professional exchange program.

Environmental issues: The two sides agreed to launch a new initiative on green ports and vessels and to expand collaboration to reduce vessel emissions. A joint pilot project will demonstrate the positive environmental impacts of using an advanced green port communications and IT system at the Port of Qinhuangdao.

The U.S. and China are collaborating on standards for greenhouse gas emissions for commercial vehicles. The U.S. is currently developing greenhouse gas emissions and fuel economy standards for post-2018 model years. China is developing new fuel consumption standards for light- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles for 2020 model years and thereafter.

The United States has expanded the SmartWay Program to include barge freight starting in 2015, and air freight in 2016 to the U.S. green freight program. China has enhanced its Green Freight Initiative to include green freight efficiency standards and a 20-company pilot project.

Anti-corruption: The United States and China decided to continue cooperation on anti-corruption initiatives. The two sides reaffirmed commitments relating to preventing official corruption, detecting embezzled public funds, denying safe haven for criminals and their proceeds of crime, and asset recovery.