Relations between China and South Korea continue to improve. Their two governments have developed a strong economic partnership and managed their security differences over North Korea and other issues well. Surveys of South Korean public opinion show a remarkable rise in popular assessments of China and its policies. Nevertheless, South Korea remains a reliable U.S. ally and security partner and Beijing’s options regarding Seoul are seriously constrained as long as China remains committed to sustaining North Korea as a buffer state.

Chinese President Xi Jinping recently made a trip to South Korea to further three objectives, according to Mel Gurtov. Given these three objectives, Gurtov analyzes and discusses their implications. More broadly, he also analyzes the implications of President Xi Jinping’s trip in general.

In light of recent tension in the Asia Pacific, Colin Moreshead argues that the United States should bring Japan, South Korea and China all to the table for common-ground initiatives, like fighting climate change or promoting education.

The combination of the U.S. pivot to Asia and the reemergence of nationalism in Japan has created tension in the Asia-Pacific region. As China continues to feel threatened by the close relations between the U.S. and Japan, Wu Zurong points out that irritants to Sino-U.S. relations will hurt the Asia-Pacific as a whole.

The state of security in Northeast Asia will be counteractive to the state of Sino-US relations. Thus, increased cooperation in Northeast Asia will also provide a favorable opportunity and important platform to cultivate a new type of relations between China and the United States.

Recently, US foreign policy experts have argued that China’s military power presents major implications for the US and Japan’s ability to maintain regional stability. However, Stephen Harner argues the US and Japan must recognize the changing geopolitical landscape in the Asia-Pacific and recognize the dangers of the current security order.

Zhou Bo writes that the success of General Martin Dempsey’s recent visit to China signals that both sides have thus far agreed to disagree, and that strategic mutual trust is deepening US-China military relations.

Secretary of State John Kerry recently traveled to China in order to encourage further pressure on Pyongyang. Although Beijing is clearly upset with North Korea, Doug Bandow believes that Zhongnanhai will only act if it is in China's interest.

Under the newly elected leadership of Park Geun-hye, South Korea is poised to transform its relations with China and North Korea through increased engagement.

The world’s task in addressing North Korea’s saber rattling is made no easier by the fact that it confronts an impoverished and effectively defeated country.