On July 28, 2009, Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan and State Councilor Dai Bingguo attended and addressed a welcoming banquet hosted by U.S. friendly organizations including the U.S.-China Business Council, the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations and the U.S.-China Chamber of Commerce in Washington D.C., capital of the United States.

Wang said in his speech that history has shown that only those that embraced the historical trend will prosper. Wang said that the Chinese people share the universal dream with the people in the world to pursue peace, development, prosperity and civilization. The Chinese people also share the same desire and interest with the American people to advance the China-U.S. relations, Wand said. both nations need to embrace the trend of developing China-U.S. relations and push the bilateral ties to higher levels, he said. The two countries have no other choice but to cooperate, he added. Wang believed that both sides are wise and capable enough to solve all sorts of difficulties and problems on the way to push forward the bilateral ties.

Wang also invited all U.S. friends to visit the Shanghai World Expo next year.

Dai said in his speech that Chinese President Hu Jintao and his U.S. counterpart Barack Obama have agreed to jointly develop a positive, cooperative and comprehensive China-U.S. relationship for the 21st century, which is of vital and profound significance.

He said both sides need to treat each other with a positive attitude and build mutual trust continuously. China's development is not only an indispensable part of world development, but also a crucial engine that provides great opportunities for world development, Dai said. China will stick to its socialist road with Chinese characteristics, and work together with all other nations to build a harmonious world of lasting peace and common prosperity, he said. China and the United States should expand common interests, deepen cooperation, and enhance dialogues and cooperation on bilateral, regional and global issues, he added. Both countries should respect each other and equally treat each other, Dai said, adding that both countries should also see the other side's policies with understanding and trust and handle the other side's concerns and interests in the spirit of equality and mutual respect.

Some 600 people including U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and other U.S. officials, as well as U.S. business people attended the banquet.