Unless the United States comes up with a way to promote regional interaction, it will become increasingly difficult to return to a constructive track. It risks becoming a bystander, a follower or even a saboteur of economic cooperation.

North Korea, South China Sea and trade fights are all on U.S. secretary of state’s agenda.

The new president seeks economic advantages in the Asia-Pacific, though his approach is very different from Obama’s in ends and means. He has reset the goals for US trade, focusing on the more short-term, inward-looking national interest based on more jobs and investments for US. But all in all, there is more continuity than change in what we’ve seen of the administration’s policy in the region.

Twenty-five years after the Cold War’s ending, China and the US can take the opportunity created by the EAS to reconcile their differences and seek cooperation. They can join ASEAN countries to promote positive interaction among all regional players in a wider range, on a deeper level and in a more sustainable manner to push the Asia-Pacific towards great harmony.

There are several scenarios for military regional order in the Pacific, but “collective security” would be the most desirable strategic choice for regional countries. Existing organizations and communications platforms, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, provide a good foundation for this military order and continued economic integration in the Pacific.

Now that Washington has sent Beijing a clear message it will be around for the long haul, however, the time has come for the two countries to deepen and institutionalize relationship to secure Asia’s lasting peace and prosperity.

US President Barack Obama is on a four-day visit from Nov 17 to Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia, where he will also attend the 7th East Asia Summit in Phnom Penh