BEIJING - China and the United States will launch their first strategic security dialogue in Washington this month, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai said in Beijing on Friday.

The strategic security dialogue is scheduled to be kicked off during the third China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue, which will also be held in Washington, said Cui.

Cui said the dialogue will be co-chaired by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Zhijun and US Deputy State Secretary James Steinberg.

Leading officials from diplomatic and military departments of both sides will also attend the dialogue.