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.

How China and the U.S. relationship benefits from the provocative behavior from North Korea remains to be seen. Yet in a meeting between John Kerry and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, an agreement was reached on finding a peaceful way to ensure a nuclear-free Korean peninsula.

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.

These days China is in the center of any conversation about sustainable development and environmental degradation, writes Tom Watkins. The country has much work to do in order to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.

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.