Experts: The S&ED A Breakthrough though Differences Remain

The dialogue has been praised by officials from both countries as a breakthrough and a new framework for bilateral relations. But experts warn not to expect too much progress on sensitive issues as differences remain in a number of aspects.

Our reporter Zhangcheng has more.

Dr. David Finkelstein, vice president with CNA China studies said the dialogue is partly a result of both countries coming together to tackle the global financial crisis.

On the economic front, Dr. Finkelstein says the kind of role China will play in this relationship is very important for the restoration of the world economy.

"Regarding the international financial system, I think it's very clear that the US and China are going to emerge as the world's most important economies, and most countries in the world understand this. I don't think there's any doubt that China needs to have a seat at the table of international financial organizations such as the World Bank and the IMF. So, China's future role will be extremely important."

But professor Mei Renyi, from Beijing Foreign Studies University, said the US, as the strongest economic power in today's world, has a responsibility to help other countries recover from the economic downturn.

He said with heavy investment in US treasury bonds, China is calling for the stability of the dollar.

"You say don't worry, the US dollar will not be devalued. That's just a promise, anyone can say that. But when you have this kind of cooperative atmosphere--it's working together, that will count for much more than any empty promise."

Meanwhile, regarding the fight against terrorism in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Mei Renyi said, althuogh in principle both countries share the same aim, there are still differences in how to go about this.

"We should jointly fight terrorism in those countries, there's no problem about that. But as to the extra steps taken, especially in dealing with Pakistan, I think there have been great differences because China has one very firm principle of not interfering in the internal affairs of other countries."

But David Finkelstein expressed disagreement.

"I don't think there is much similarity between the approaches Beijing and Washington are taking. Washington's very direct approach makes Beijing nervous because it comes with US forces on the doorsteps of Asia. Maybe China can be doing more to support the coalition operation in Afghanistan. So I think there are mutual concerns, and mutual expectations on both sides."

In addition, experts from both countries hold a cautiously optimistic attitude towards climate change.

They believe further consensuses could be reached at the Copenhagen Climate Conference in December.

Despite these discrepancies, experts do agree the first-ever Strategic and Economic Dialogue between China and US has put an effective mechanism in place to deal with international issues affecting both countries and promote bilateral ties.

Zhangcheng, CRI News.