The fact that the newly intensified U.S. diplomatic effort may point up some of the trickier issues is not in itself a bad thing, so long as the differences are sensitively handled and not exacerbated by the tone or content of diplomatic exchanges. If there are differences of interest and perception with a potential for conflict down the line, it is important they be addressed now based on equality and mutual respect.

Obama's diplomacy, in the context of the end stages of his presidency, may also have the potential to stabilize U.S.-China relations beyond his tenure. He is aware that foreign policy will be an important issue in the next presidential election in November 2016, and he is also aware that some U.S. politicians, particularly on the Republican side, are easily tempted to indulge in unhelpful Cold War-style rhetoric for electoral purposes. The more he can demonstrate a firm direction in international relations, adopted with the agreement of major world leaders, the less the possible damage from irresponsible rhetoric during the election campaign; whoever wins will, of course, have to place a high priority on dealing with Asia, and China in particular.

It is to be hoped that these visits will be successful in achieving this aim, and in establishing the USA as a constructive and responsible participant in the affairs of East Asia, a region full of potential flashpoints but able to maintain peace recently due to economic development and cooperation and through responsible leadership.

Obviously the U.S./China relationship is and will remain one of the central pillars of security in the region and the world, hopefully bolstered by the bold plans for trans-continental economic and financial cooperation now under discussion, by restraint and confidence-building on security issues, and by an absence of unnecessary provocations on issues that have bedevilled this relationship for more than forty years.

It will be vital also to keep the uneasy balance between the U.S.'s respective relationships between China and Japan at a time when Beijing and Tokyo are at odds on issues like the East China Sea territorial dispute. Above all, the U.S. and China must not forget that their bilateral relationship transcends the interests of both countries, and is one of the key factors in maintaining world peace and development.

The writer is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.ccgp-fushun.com/opinion/timcollard.htm

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