China and the United States on Thursday started their annual trade talks in Hangzhou, captial of east China's Zhejiang Province.

Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan co-chaired the 20th Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) with Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and Trade Representative Ron Kirk of the United States.

The JCCT began in 1983 as a platform for both countries to promote trade and address issues of mutual concern.