On May 2, 2012, the second China-U.S. Strategic Security Dialogue, under the strategic framework of the fourth China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue, was held in Beijing.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State William Burns co-chaired the dialogue. Ma Xiaotian, deputy chief of the general staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army; Chinese Ambassador to the United States Zhang Yesui; U.S. Acting Under-secretary of Defense James Miller; and U.S. Commander-in-chief of Pacific Command Samuel J. Locklear attended the event. The two sides had an in-depth exchange of views on issues of strategic and comprehensive security in a candid, pragmatic atmosphere, deepening mutual understanding. The two sides agreed to continue to develop the Strategic Security Dialogue mechanism, and let it play a greater role in enhancing bilateral strategic mutual trust.