U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson met Wednesday with Beijing's new point man on strained trade ties with Washington amid Chinese alarm about the U.S. credit crisis and its possible impact on China's banks and economy. Vice Premier Wang Qishan, a former star banker whom Paulson calls a friend, expressed sympathy with the secretary's struggle to calm U.S. markets.
"You looked very tired and worn out on TV. As an old friend, I would say that I was concerned," Wang said as reporters were allowed to watch the last few minutes of their talks at the Great Hall of the People, the seat of China's legislature. "But now I see you here this morning and you are glowing and robust." Details of the meeting were not immediately released.

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