(VOVworld) - The US and China have kicked off an annual high-level dialogue to seek closer cooperation between the world's two largest economies.

A signing ceremonyat the 27th Session of the China-US Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (Photo: AP)

In a speech at the opening of the 27^th Session of the China-US Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) in Washington on Wednesday, US Trade Representative Michael Froman emphasized the importance of keeping US-China relations "on an even keel" amid strong headwinds of populism and protectionism around the world. He said the JCCT provides a concrete opportunity to improve economic cooperation and address differences.