The JCCT was established in 1983 as a forum for high-level dialogue on bilateral trade issues. In 1994, as U.S.-China commercial relations became increasingly complex, the two governments institutionally strengthened the JCCT by establishing structured working groups covering trade and investment issues, business development and industrial cooperation, and commercial law, in addition to a side dialogue on export controls. From its inception until 2004, the JCCT was co-chaired by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and China's Minister of Commerce. Following the December 2003 meeting of President Bush and Premier Wen the two sides agreed the Commission to co-chaired on the side by two cabinet officials (the Secretary of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative) and, on the Chinese side, by the Vice Premier responsible for foreign trade.
The 16th plenary session of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) was held in Beijing on July 11, 2005. Co-chaired on the U.S. side by Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez and USTR Rob Portman and on the Chinese side by Vice Premier Wu Yi, the 16th JCCT built on successes achieved at the 15th JCCT and realized new progress on key U.S. trade concerns.