The U.S. has relentlessly worked on improving its foreign policies in order to safeguard its global hegemony. Chen Jimin analyzes the framework of the Obama administration’s global strategy.

In spite of the progress made at this week’s APEC and ASEAN meetings in Bali and Brunei respectively, there are still concerns that President Obama’s absence reduced U.S. influence in the region. Stephen Harner examines these developments and the potential for a “win-win” relationship between the US and China.

The recent “ice-breaking” discussions between high level cabinet members and a phone discussion between the presidents of the United States and Iran has been greeted with open arms not only by the US and Iran, but also by much of the international community. However, these talks are only the first step on a long road towards building a harmonious relationship.

With Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin set to meet during the G-20 Summit in St. Petersburg, Richard Weitz highlights the recent strengthening of the Sino-Russian bilateral defense relationship.

Following President Obama’s most recent trip to Africa, it is necessary to examine the United States’ Africa policy. Noting the core interests and efforts of the Obama administration in Africa, Chen Jimin explains there is room for cooperation on the continent based upon the shared interests of China and the United Sates.

President Obama has refused to be intimidated by China’s influence in Sub-Saharan Africa, visiting the same number of African nations in June and July as his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping, visited in March. As the Obama administration attempts to portray the continent as an area for investment, Robert Rotberg explains the competing interests in the region.

Obama’s recent rhetoric about China and other emerging countries’ entry into Africa has been quite encouraging and can be seen as an important step forward for future US-China cooperation in Africa, writes He Wenping.

Are the U.S. and China headed for a “new great power relationship?” In a rare and exclusive interview with Christiane Amanpour, Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Cui Tiankai said that it’s “obvious” that the countries need each other.

As time progresses, regional trade agreements have grown in number. Although these agreements are effective and beneficial to those nations involved, they cannot and should not replace the global "free-trade" framework.

At the heart of China’s request for a new type of big power relationship with the US is a demand for greater symmetry in bilateral negotiations, writes Pang Zhongying. Only a roughly symmetrical relationship can be stable.