China and Russia concluded their three-day strategic security talks on Friday -- yet another important summit between China and a major power, following discussions with the US, Japan and India earlier this year.

"Strategic dialogue has gradually become a new diplomatic mode for China to deal with the other major nations, and a new focal point in China's foreign policy," said Zhao Qinghai, a professor at the China Institute of International Studies.

Chaired by State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan and Russian Security Council Secretary Igov Ivanov, the second round of strategic talks covered bilateral relations, anti-terrorism measures, nuclear non-proliferation, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the situation in Central Asia. The meeting was again "in-depth" and "positive," following on from the launch of the bilateral security consultation mechanism in February.

President Hu Jintao expressed hope at a meeting with Ivanov on Friday that the two sides will enlarge the role of the strategic security talks to achieve consensus and enhance cooperation in all fields.

Besides the strategic security talks system, China and Russia have also established a high-level contact mechanism, including an annual exchange of visits between presidents and parliamentary leaders, and regular meetings between prime ministers. Though these interactions are not referred to as strategic, the topics covered belong to the sphere of strategic dialogue.

Zhao pointed out that strategic dialogues have two functions -- to consolidate existing relations and promote strategic cooperation, such as Sino-Russian talks, or to help resolve differences through candid communication on key strategic matters so as to maintain the long-term and steady growth of bilateral relations, such as the talks with the US, Japan and India.

China and the US held their first strategic talks in Beijing on August 1 in accordance with the consensus reached by Hu and US President George W. Bush in Santiago last November. The two sides agree the dialogue is "beneficial," "constructive" and "deepened mutual understanding." The second round of strategic dialogue will be held in the US in several months.

China and India also held their first strategic talks early this year. The discussions touched on some sensitive problems with Sino-Indian relations, as well as cooperation in the multilateral framework, preparing for Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to India.

To deal with the downturn in Sino-Japanese relations, China and Japan held three strategic summits this year. Sources said the first two rounds helped improve bilateral relations. The third round was fruitless because of Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visit to the Yasukuni Shrine.

"Non-involvement of third parties, discussion of topics in a wide range of fields, and enhancing mutual trust and cooperation are the three characteristics of strategic dialogue between China and the major nations," acknowledged Zhao.

China opened dialogues with the major nations of the world in the late 1990s mainly by establishing partnerships. The frequent strategic discussions this year reflect the increasing complexity of the international situation and the interwoven interests of the different powers.

China's strategic dialogues with major nations are still at the primary stage, but will prove vital in the long run. They will play an important role in smoothing relations between the world's major nations.

(China Daily October 24, 2005)