US, China seek to repair bridges

The United States and China are closing out the year on a positive note on many fronts — including trade, military ties, climate change and global security — as both sides prepare for their presidents’ second summit, set for next month.

The United States and China are closing out the year on a positive note on many fronts — including trade, military ties, climate change and global security — as both sides prepare for their presidents’ second summit, set for next month.

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After a tense year during which US officials, including President Barack Obama, openly criticised China, and their Chinese counterparts returned the favour, there is a sudden switch in tone from the Commerce Department to the National Security Council.

Instead of portraying China as protectionist or as an “enabler” of North Korea’s provocations, administration officials are praising China, referring to it again as a responsible partner.

In part, the improved tone reflects Washington’s success in leveraging Beijing’s desire for a smooth summit to get concessions from China or nudge it toward policies closer to Washington’s liking.

That said, significant problems — such as a yawning gap in strategic trust — bedevil the relationship between the world’s sole superpower and a surging counterpart that is both a partner and a rival.

Hu, who will also stop in Chicago, plans to highlight the positive aspects of China’s ties with the United States.

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