U.S.-China relations

The top officials in Washington and Beijing have agreed to stop bickering and resume serious negotiations. This can only be welcome news to the region and, in fact, to the world. Constant tension between the two major Pacific powers in not in the interest of either country. But more importantly, the seemingly endless state of friction between the United States and China puts enormous, unnecessary strains on their neighbors.

The good news of the short run vastly outweighs the many disagreements still to be tackled by the U.S. and China. No two countries, let alone two great powers, will agree on every issue. It is important to China and America, and to their neighbors, that they tackle the issues seriously, and diplomatically. (U.S. Secretary of State) Mr. Colin Powell has offered such steps; (Chinese Foreign Minister) Mr. Tang Jiaxuan has responded in kind. The region can breathe a little easier.

-- The Bangkok Post