(VOVworld)- The annual 8^th US-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue opened on Monday in Beijing. High on the agenda are strengthening bilateral ties and practical cooperation to settle disputes and other sensitive issues.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (third, left), US State Secretary John Kerry (second, left) at the opening ceremony (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chinese President Xi Jinping called on both countries to increase mutual trust and redouble efforts to resolve differences and avoid wrong strategy assessments. Earlier, observers said the East Sea developments could cast a shadow over the event. During his Mongolian visit on Sunday, US Secretary of State John Kerry said if China established an Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) over the East Sea, Washington would consider it a provocative and destabilizing act.