Exchange of visits by high-level Chinese and American officials demonstrates the present positive state of Sino-US ties. 

The Sino-US strategic dialogue in Beijing on August 1, the first regular senior level meeting of its kind, is an important development.

Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo and US Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick are expected to deliberate bilateral ties and important international and regional matters of common concern.

With the hubbub about the so-called "China threat" reverberating around the US, news of the Dai-Zoellick meeting may serve as a positive signal that will help drive away the cloud over bilateral relations.

The dialogue will enable Beijing and Washington to identify areas where real achievements can be made.

Both sides should focus on matters where bilateral interests overlap and cooperation is possible.

The meetings are a tangible demonstration of progress that contributes to building trust and confidence between the two countries.

The dialogue will represent the culmination of frequent discussions at mid and high levels between the two countries.

China and the US have developed contacts between various agencies at all levels, with a view to increasing mutual understanding and trust.

The Chinese Defense Ministry and its US counterpart rounded off their first policy dialogue in Beijing in January, with both voicing their satisfaction. The meeting was held in a candid, cooperative and constructive atmosphere and is believed to be a sign of warming ties between the two militaries.

A week before the meeting, a US delegation headed by former Defence Secretary William Perry traveled to Shanghai for a seminar on Sino-US security. Perry was welcomed by host Premier Wen Jiabao and Defence Minister Cao Gangchuan.

State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan is visiting the US to clarify the Chinese position on the six-party talks and to prepare for President Hu Jintao's visit to the US in September.

Zoellick will be the fifth member of the Bush administration to visit in a month, following Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, Trade Representative Robert Portman and Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns.

Bilateral exchanges and cooperation have developed in a wide range of areas such as the economy and trade, energy, science and technology, environmental protection, security, the anti-terror campaign and law enforcement.

One important goal of the strategic dialogue is to identify new areas of common interest and potential cooperation. A second objective is to clarify areas of possible conflict of interest and discuss ways to manage differences. A third objective is to establish channels of communication to be available in the event of a crisis or a perceived need to exchange views on important issues.

The talks signify the two countries' efforts to come to terms with each other.

Economic affairs are likely to be one of the major proposed matters for discussion as Zoellick is a former US trade representative.

The meetings will serve as a venue for senior Chinese and American officials to have direct, frank and deep exchanges of views.

Communication will put the two countries in a position to avoid action that could lead to misunderstandings or friction.

The August meeting is a reflection of the understanding that the two great nations bordering the Pacific could not remain in confrontation without grave consequences for their countries and peoples, or for global security.

The dialogue shows a sensible approach that will make our relationship standard, constructive and enduring.

(China Daily July 28, 2005)