To step up intelligence sharing on terrorism, the US must improve its relations with other countries. Security cooperation with China is unlikely to be helped by trade protectionism and arms sales to Taiwan.

The Christmas Day events have changed Obama's rhetoric. Just four months ago, the administration dropped the phrase "war on terror". But Obama has begun to use the word "war" again. "We are at war against Al-Qaeda…We will do whatever it takes to defeat them," he said recently.

The American media has lost no time in reminding Obama that the "war on terror" is far from over and that it was not a figment of the Bush imagination. Obama was trying to drop the whole idea of the "war on terror" in an attempt to improve relations with the Islamic world. But if he believes the war is no longer a key problem, he is mistaken.

The Bush administration over-expanded the war on terror, and incorrectly blamed Iraq for everything. But Bush was right in one respect - he knew the war on terror would be everlasting.

Al-Qaeda is adapting its tactics and the world faces a major challenge to keep ahead of the game. Under these circumstances it is dangerous for America to let its guard down and, even more so, for it to endanger its security cooperation with other countries.

Obama has been in office for almost one year. It is time for him to clearly set out his plans and priorities. Whether on the war on terror, climate change, or economic recovery, he must realize he is in for a protracted fight. He cannot afford unnecessary friction with other countries, especially when it comes to problems in China-US relations.

The author is a columnist with China.org.cn For more information please visit http://www.h5a3.com/opinion/node_7077605.htm

(This article was translated by Chen Chen)