China and the United States held a first round of discussions on law in Beijing on August 3, an important step in implementing the consensus reached by the countries' two leaders.

The two-day meeting, focusing on legal reform and economic growth, touched upon the efficiency and fairness of commercial cases, the use of typical cases in commercial trials and how to collect evidence for civil and commercial proceedings, reported the Xinhua News Agency.

Both sides agree that the discussions deepened understanding of their respective legal systems and judicial practices, according to people.com.cn.

The talks contributed to the development of Sino-US relations and the forming of "a new type of major power relationship" based on mutual respect and win-win cooperation.

On the same day, Meng Jianzhu, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the CPC Central Committee, met with the visiting US delegates.

"Economic globalization and trade liberalization make for closer Sino-US economic and trade exchanges," said Meng, "in this regard, the rule of law is an important guarantee."

Meng said that the dialogue will promote exchange of experience and practices from both countries in advancing the rule of law and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of various market players.

Meng hoped the two sides will work more closely in the protection of intellectual property rights.

The US group expressed their desire to strengthen coordination with China in the legal sector.

Around 30 officials, lawyers and scholars from both sides joined the session. The second round of talks is scheduled for Washington in 2017.