The second round of the China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue concluded in Beijing on May 26. The dialogue covered a wide and important range of issues. Decision makers from both sides held talks on topics such as energy safety, climate change and UN peacekeeping. The two sides signed many cooperative documents on energy, the environment, technology and enforcement of custom sanitation. The high-level talks attended by a 200-strong US delegation have received a lot of attention from international organizations and media around the world.

China and the U.S. have signed agreements on energy, environment, climate change, green development and advanced fuels. Notably, the two sides are committed to strengthening their ability to deal with climate change. On the sustainable development issue, both sides have realized the importance to cooperate in carbon emissions reduction after the Copenhagen Summit. The two sides also agreed to enhance cooperation on the safety of the Westinghouse AP1000 nuclear reactor. All of these agreements are vital for China's energy security and development and will set a good example of cooperation globally.

As most of the achievements are in the economic field, there are still some important strategic issues that need to be handled carefully. The two sides had very frank and detailed conversations about international security challenges and regional hot spots, including Iran and North Korea.

China and U.S. attach great importance to international affairs and also bear important responsibility for world peace and stability. It is vital for both sides to respect each other's core interests, address major concerns and properly handle disagreements and sensitive issues. The Sino-US relationship might experience setbacks but the dialogue mechanism will provide a platform for senior officials of both countries to communicate and negotiate and to stabilize and develop their relationship, which is beneficial to their respective interests and the stability of the Asia-Pacific region.

Several months ago, people were worried about Sino-US relations, but now they feel encouraged by the improvement in bilateral ties. Bilateral ties have become more stable as the two countries are better aware of their respective interests and challenges they face. Meanwhile, the two sides have become more and more confident in overcoming difficulties. The dialogue has become an effective way to resolve contradictions between the two countries.

The author is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.h5a3.com/opinion/node_7082361.htm

(This article was translated by Xiang Bin.)