US, China seemingly enjoy respite from bilateral tension

The seemingly cooperative attitude between the U.S. and China has raised expectations that problems on the Korean Peninsula can be resolved. The two superpowers appear to have a common interest as Washington desperately needs Beijing`s help in a number of global issues and China wants a favorable global political environment to help its new administration take root.

U.S. President Barack Obama called China’s new leader Xi Jinping Thursday. “I can confirm that the president spoke with President Xi today and he congratulated President Xi on his new positions,” according to White House Press Secretary Jay Carney.

"Also at every level, when we engage with our counterparts in the Chinese government, we talk about all the range of issues that are important between us, all the substantial economic cooperation, security cooperation, and also the issues where we have disagreements and concerns."

Obama said both countries need to tackle cyber security threats at a time when the controversy over Chinese cyber attacks on the U.S. is spreading.

Washington’s “telephone diplomacy” is expected to lead to “visiting diplomacy.” Obama said U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew will visit China next week and Secretary of State John Kerry will follow in his tour of three Northeast Asian countries.

Beijing has long strived to improve relations with Washington. When Xi visited the U.S. as vice president in February last year, a “new type of major power relationship” was the core concept of the era of President Xi and Premier Le Keqiang. China intends to raise peaceful cooperation for coexistence and co-prosperity instead of confrontation and conflict based on the foundation of mutual respect for each other’s core interests.

Chinese criticism of the U.S., which was rampant even a year ago, has greatly diminished. Beijing is apparently appointing figures well versed in U.S. affairs, including the likely appointment of Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi as state councilor, the most senior position in foreign policy.

kyle@donga.com