The leaders of China and the US do not have to be the best of friends, but they should at least be on friendly terms. Vice-President Xi Jinping's meetings in Washington this week with senior American officials should have been the start. In a presidential election year, though, nothing can be taken for granted. Scoring political points seemed more important to US President Barack Obama than getting to better know the man widely seen as being the next Chinese head of state.
While Xi spoke pragmatically of the need for mutual respect and the benefits of working together, his hosts raised a lengthy list of grievances. Obama warned that Beijing had to play by the same rules as other major powers when it came to the global economy. The vice-president's opposite number, Joe Biden, highlighted a well-established litany of concerns, from human rights abuses to theft of intellectual property. Beijing was criticised for joining Russia in vetoing a UN Security Council vote on sanctions against Syria, for not dramatically revaluing its currency and for perceived unfair trade practices.
China has its complaints as well. Obama has made the Asia-Pacific region the focus of American military strategy, raising tensions, while Beijing blames US restrictions on Chinese imports for worsening the trade imbalance. But whereas Chinese officials typically go on the defensive when faced with criticism, Xi called on both countries to improve communications to reduce misunderstandings and suspicion. There was none of the stiff lecturing of President Hu Jintao, whom Xi is tipped to succeed; instead, he was realistic and ready to admit that China could do better.
As a leader-in-waiting, Xi cannot make grand gestures. Consequently, his trip has been full of symbolism, not substance. Its purpose was for both sides to get to know one another better. For nations lacking trust, it is an ideal way to help bridge the deficit.
Avoiding a row with a senior leader from a rival country is difficult at the best of times, but tricky indeed when elections are in the offing. Beijing and Washington have to make every effort to ensure that rhetoric causes no damage. For that to come about there has to be tolerance and understanding and, importantly, dialogue at all levels.
The world needs a fruitful, stable relationship between China and the US. Together, they can help solve a host of problems, from getting the global economy back on track to stability on the Korean peninsula. By coming to terms with one another's different and sometimes conflicting interests, they can prevent the possibility of conflict and their economies will benefit. A friendly demeanour through talks and negotiations, not political grandstanding, is the way to make this happen. Xi has set the right tone.
