U.S.-CHINA STRATEGIC TRACK SELECT OUCOMES

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE 
U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue V Strategic Track Select Outcomes
Fact Sheet
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
July 12, 2013

On the occasion of the Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED) July 10-11, 2013, the United States and China agreed to, among other things:

Promote an open, cooperative, secure, and reliable cyber space: Prior to the S&ED, the United States and China held the first meeting of the civilian-military Cyber Working Group, where the two sides committed to work together on cooperative activities and further discussions on international norms of state behavior in cyberspace. Both sides commented positively on the candid, in-depth dialogue and agreed to hold the next meeting before the end of 2013.

Build healthy, stable, and reliable military-to-military ties: Senior civilian and military officials used the July 9 Strategic Security Dialogue to address some of the most sensitive issues in the bilateral relationship, expanding their discussion this year from cyber and maritime security to missile defense and nuclear policy. To build confidence, our two militaries agreed to actively explore a notification mechanism for major military activities and continue to discuss the rules of behavior for air and maritime activities.

Work toward shared goals on DPRK: Secretary Kerry and State Councilor Yang held in-depth consultations on the situation on the Korean Peninsula and agreed on the fundamental importance of the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in a peaceful manner and reiterated their joint commitment to continue high-level discussions to achieve this shared goal. The two sides called for full implementation of UNSCR 2094 and other relevant resolutions by all UN Member States, and for the necessary steps by all parties that would create the conditions for the resumption of the Six-Party Talks.

Call on Iran to satisfy its obligations: The United States and China discussed Iran’s nuclear program, agreed that Iran should fulfill its international obligations under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and called for full implementation of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. The United States and China reaffirmed their commitment to taking active part in the P5+1 negotiations with Iran and called on Iran to take concrete actions to satisfy the concerns of the international community through negotiations with the P5+1.

Push for a peaceful solution to the crisis in Syria: The United States and China reiterated their shared commitment to preparing for the Geneva Conference on Syria and to resolving the crisis through political means in order to bring about a Syrian-led peaceful political transition that establishes a transitional governing body. We reaffirmed opposition to the use or proliferation of chemical weapons and called for measures to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people.

Combat Climate Change and Protect the Environment: The United States and China agreed to accelerate action on climate change through five new action initiatives on heavy-duty and other vehicles; carbon capture, utilization, and storage; greenhouse gas data collection and management; smart grids; and energy efficiency in buildings and industry. These reflect the first of the recommendations made by the Climate Change Working Group that Secretary Kerry announced in April. They will also work together to implement the agreement of Presidents Obama and Xi on HFCs. The United States and China announced new efforts to share best practices in air quality planning, pollution reduction, environmental law and adjudication, and the study of greenhouse gases, as well as agreement to work together to combat wildlife trafficking..

Support Global Energy Security: The United States and China discussed measures to drive energy innovation and investment. They agreed to address barriers to further development of their energy production potential, including regulatory and pricing issues. Both countries agreed to cooperate on energy efficiency, renewable energy, emergency responses, phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, and sharing data on energy supply, demand, and reserves.

Enhance Cooperation on Global Development: The Unites States and China agreed to carry out joint projects in Afghanistan and Timor-Leste and announced a new Dialogue on Global Development – the first-ever regular mechanism for the two sides to exchange views on development issues and jointly advance our shared goals of poverty reduction, economic growth, and sustainable development.

FEDERAL DISASTER AID PROGRAMS AVAILABLE FOLLOWING DISASTER DECLARATION FOR STATE OF MONTANA

FROM:  U.S. FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

Federal Aid Programs for the State of Montana Declaration

Main Content
Release date: JULY 10, 2013
Release Number: HQ-13-072Factsheet
Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama's disaster declaration issued for the State of Montana.

Assistance for the State, Tribal and Affected Local Governments Can Include as Required:

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for removing debris from public areas and for emergency measures taken to save lives and protect property and public health.  Emergency protective measures assistance is available to state, tribal and eligible local governments on a cost-sharing basis. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

Payment of not less than 75 percent of the eligible costs for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities, such as roads, bridges, utilities, buildings, schools, recreational areas and similar publicly owned property, as well as certain private non-profit organizations engaged in community service activities. (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)

Payment of not more than 75 percent of the approved costs for hazard mitigation projects undertaken by state and local governments to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural or technological disasters.  (Source: FEMA funded, state administered.)
How to Apply for Assistance:

Application procedures for state, tribal and local governments will be explained at a series of federal/state applicant briefings with locations to be announced in the affected area by recovery officials. Approved public repair projects are paid through the state from funding provided by FEMA and other participating federal agencies.