A compelling feature of the just-concluded third round China-U.S. Strategic and Economic Dialogue is the consensus reached by both sides to start Asia-Pacific security dialogue, signaling a paradigm shift in China-U.S. relationship which might bring about profound changes. It’s imperative for the two countries to recognize that only through cooperation can win-win outcomes be achieved despite of the fact that both view each other as competitors. The implication behind the initiative could be interpreted into the establishment of a closer non-alliance China-U.S. link, compared with U.S.’s connection with its traditional allies. If the security dialogue proves to be effective, China-U.S. relationship might have the chance to be exempted from the stereotype of running into collision upon confrontation, the two countries could set up an Asia-Pacific security mechanism works for both ends and eventually wipe off the influence of existing post-war regional security framework.
|