On September 19, 2011, Vice Premier Wang Qishan met with Pat Quinn, the governor of the U.S. state of Illinois in Zhongnanhai.

Wang said currently China-U.S. relations have enjoyed a sound growth momentum with frequent high-level exchanges and closer cooperation on economy, trade, investment, science, technology, tourism and humanities. Wang said China attaches great importance to bilateral exchanges and cooperation at local levels. The in-depth development of Sino-U.S. relations has provided broad space for bilateral cooperation at local levels. "The governments of both countries should help solve problems related to regional cooperation through practical action and create a good environment for substantial cooperation between companies, as this will promote employment and economic growth in both countries," Wang said.

Quinn said Illinois is working to become the "most friendly state" in terms of its relations with China and will continue to strengthen cooperation with the country in the areas of environmental protection, tourism, construction and new energy, especially in electric cars.