Referring to the new embassy, Bush said: “To me it speaks of the importance of our relations with China. It reflects the solid foundation underpinning our relations. It is a commitment to strengthen that foundation for years to come.”

The twin dedications reflect the importance that each country accords to the other and the strong and mutually beneficial nature of the relationship, one that is likely to be the most important bilateral relationship in the 21st century.

But the congressional vote is a reality check, a reminder that all is not going to be sweetness and light in that bilateral relationship regardless of which political party wins the White House.

While the election of Ma Ying-jeou as president means that Taiwan should be much less of a problem in the coming four years than in the previous eight, human rights issues and economic problems are likely to continue to dog the relationship.

But the reality is that human rights have improved in China over the last 30 years and, as Bush himself acknowledged, “change in China will arrive on its own terms and in keeping with its own history and traditions.”

The president, in his speech, also addressed American economic relations with China and other Asian countries, saying: “Unfortunately, our country sometimes sends mixed signals about the openness of our economy. Voices of economic isolationism do not represent the interests of the American people.”

One key area that needs to be addressed is the facilitation of Chinese investment in the United States.

While competition, even antagonism, will occasionally characterize the relationship, cooperation should be the dominant theme. The U.S. and China will have to work together on such issues as nuclear proliferation, terrorism, the environment, climate change and pandemic diseases. Otherwise, the world will not have much of a chance for a bright future.

Columnist Ching can be reached at Frank.ching@gmail.com

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