BEIJING, Dec. 10 -- China and the United States will hold their annual talks on commerce and trade ties in Chicago next week, a Foreign Ministry Spokesperson announced on Wednesday.

The 25th Session of the China-U.S. Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) was slated for Dec. 16 to 18, spokesman Hong Lei told a routine press briefing.

Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker and Trade Representative Michael Froman will co-chair the talks, said Hong.

Launched in 1983, the JCCT plays an important role in promoting China-U.S. economic cooperation and addressing trade issues.