While both China’s Xi Jinping and Japan’s Shinzo Abe hope to forge closer ties with the United States, Sheila Smith notes the two leaders are showing some signs of diplomatic overtures.

Secretary Kerry recently outlined a US Dream in the Asia-Pacific. Su Xiaohui writes that to achieve China’s goal of a stronger relationship with the US, China should be included in the US Pacific dream.

In his just ended trip to Asia, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry stressed his desire to work with Beijing to dampen regional tensions. Clearly, the United States considers China’s treatment of North Korea and Iran an important test of China’s rise.

The close consultation on the Korean issue in Secretary Kerry's first trip was important, writes Fan Jishe, but far from enough. To establish a strategically stable bilateral relationship, Secretary Kerry still has a long way to go, and his mission is not accomplished, yet.

The most notable manifestation of China’s peaceful development in the world will be the change of power structure, writes Ding Gang in People’s Daily. A transfer of power, as well as the redistribution of responsibilities and rights, will be in the interest of all countries.

Whether Secretary Kerry will clarify America’s position on the “pivot to Asia” is unclear, writes Dean Cheng. Kerry’s first visit to Asia could have provided much-needed clarification on this vital issue; instead, it likely only further muddies the waters.

As China prepares for Secretary Kerry's visit, Qian Liwei writes that it will take time and patience to convince China that it isn't the target of the U.S. rebalancing strategy in the Asia-Pacific region.

African leaders praised President Xi Jinping’s trip to the Fifth BRICS Summit, highlighting the close ties between China and sub-Saharan Africa. Despite the warm welcome, Professor Robert Rotberg warns that Xi’s ties to autocrats could harm China’s future prospects on the continent. As Xi cracks down on internal corruption, should he also reevaluate the corrupt practices of his African peers?

The US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew, as President Barack Obama’s special envoy, flew to China, meeting Chinese new state leaders President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang, just two days after the closure of China’s NPC. His trip will be followed immediately by John Kerry, the new US Secretary of State.

China appears to be fed up with North Korea’s belligerent attitude and reckless threats of nuclear war, but does this necessarily mean China will abandon it’s long-time ally? Zhu Feng examines the possibility of a radical policy shift by China and whether Kim Jong-un’s regime has gone too far with its latest saber rattling.