Strategic talks: new mode for China's diplomacy with major countries

China and Russia Friday concluded their three-day strategic security talks, yet another interaction between China and a major power following strategic talks with the United States, Japan and India earlier this year.

"Strategic dialogue has gradually become a new diplomatic mode for China to deal with the other major nations, and a new focal point in China's foreign policy," said Zhao Qinghai, a professor at the China Institute of International Studies.

Chaired by Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan and Russian Security Council Secretary Igov Ivanov, the second strategic talks covered bilateral relations, anti-terrorism, nuclear non-proliferation, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the situation in Central Asia. It was another "in-depth", "positive" dialogue after the two nations launched the security consultation mechanism in February.

Chinese President Hu Jintao expressed his hope in a meeting with Ivanov Friday that the two sides would enlarge the role of the strategic security talks to achieve the consensus reached between the two heads of state and enhance cooperation in all fields.

Besides the strategic security talks system, China and Russia have also established a high-level contact mechanism, including an annual exchange of visits between presidents and parliamentary leaders, and regular meetings between prime ministers. Though these interactions are not called "strategic", the topics involved belong to the sphere of strategic dialogue.

Zhao pointed out that strategic dialogues have two functions: to consolidate existing relations and promote strategic cooperation, such as Sino-Russian talks; or help resolve differences through candid communications on key strategic issues so as to maintain the long-term and stable growth of bilateral relations, such as the talks with the U.S., Japan and India.

China and the U.S. held their first strategic talks in Beijing on Aug.1 in accordance with the consensus reached by President Hu and US president George W. Bush in Santiago last November. The two sides agreed the dialogue is "beneficial", "constructive" and "deepened mutual understanding". The second strategic dialogue will be held in the U.S. several months later.

China and India also held the first strategic talks early this year. The talks touched on some sensitive problems in Sino-Indian relations, as well as cooperation in the multilateral framework, preparing for Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to India.

To deal with a downturn trend in Sino-Japanese relations, China and Japan held three strategic talks this year. Sources said the first two rounds helped improve bilateral relations. The third round was fruitless because of Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visit to Yasukuni Shrine.

"Non-involvement of third parties, discussion of topics in a wide range of fields, and enhancing mutual trust and cooperation are the three characteristics of strategic dialogue between China and the major nations," acknowledged Zhao.

China started dialogues with the major nations of the world in the late 1990s mainly by establishing partnerships. The frequent strategic dialogues this year reflect the increasing complexity of the international situation and the interwoven interests of the different powers.

China's strategic dialogues with major nations are still at the primary stage, but will prove vital in the long run. They will play an important role in smoothing relations between the world's major nations.

Source: Xinhua