Despite Shintaro Ishihara’s clamors for war between Japan and China, Feng Zhaokui writes that the existence of disputes should be the very reason for enhanced people-to-people and even official exchanges to smooth over the Sino-Japanese relationship.

Maritime disputes constitute the single likeliest source of instability and military conflict with China, says Swaine. He explains the primary drivers of tension in the East and South China Seas and identifies steps Washington can take to reduce the risk of hostilities.

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.

While China is repeatedly mentioned as the country that can and should play a special role in solving the North Korean crisis, Wang Wenfeng writes that China has only limited leverage and influence over North Korea, and oftentimes it’s not what China wants, but whether North Korea listens.

While China’s defense spending constantly comes under scrutiny, Kevin Baron analyzes the modernization of the People’s Liberation Army and breaks down where China’s military spending is going.

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.

The fact that Barack Obama chose Israel as the destination of his first foreign visit during his second term in White House illustrates how important the Middle East is in the United States' global strategy, although Washington had, before the March 20-23 visit, ruled out any new plan for settling the Middle East issue.

As Secretary of State John Kerry prepares to head to Beijing for high-level bilateral discussions, Shen Dingli outlines the top strategic priorities for China and the US. While the visit is expected to address major security issues, could Kerry’s pragmatism be misinterpreted for greater cooperation?