China and the United States have had an in-depth exchange of views on bilateral relations and major international and regional issues of mutual concern at the third Sino-US strategic dialogue that opened in Beijing on Nov. 8.

It is an important consensus reached by the heads of state of both nations in the Chilean capital of Santiago in 2004 that China and the U.S. should conduct strategic dialogues. Chinese President Hu Jintao then said "the two nations had made positive progress in their constructive and cooperative relationship in the past four years and that China would work for steady development of bilateral ties in the coming four years." The successful holding of strategic dialogue with the joint efforts of both nations signifies a new height scaled in Sino-US dialogue and cooperation.

China, the biggest developing nation, and the U.S., the largest developed nation, have been playing a vital influence in international affairs and they are "stakeholders" to each other. Through the mechanism of conducting strategic dialogue on a routine basis, the two countries carry out candid, pragmatic and constructive dialogues on issues of major interest to them for deepening their mutual understanding and increasing their mutual trust and mutual accommodation; this is not only beneficial for the advancement of the steady growth of bilateral ties and but also for the maintenance of peace and stability in the region and the world at large. The nuclear issue of the Korea Peninsular poses a crucial topic of the dialogue.

Among leading world and regional issues, the nuclear issue of the Korea Peninsula is sure to be the focus of attention for China and the U.S. In the wake of a recent nuclear test conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), the situation has become even more complex and sensitive with uncertain factors on a drastic rise, so that the whole international community is stunned and extremely concerned with it. Subsequently, the Resolution No. 1718 passed by the United Nations Security Council makes clear the universal stance of the international community on the DPRK nuclear test.

With the impetus given by the international community, and China's active efforts in particular, heads of the Chinese, DPRK and US delegations to the Six-Party Talks have met in Beijing for an informal meeting, and agreed to restart the talks in the near future. With their constructive attitude, the DPRK and the United States have shown flexibility to some extent on the deadlock financial issue and reached an understanding to discuss and resolve the issue within the framework of the Six-Party talks by their concerted efforts. So its is hopeful for the Six-Party Talks, which got stranded with the issue of the Joint Statement of its Fourth round on Sept. 19 last year, to re-embark onto the track.

People have noticed that China, as a responsible big nation, once again gives scope to its active, constructive role to the best of its ability, and manifests its diplomatic talents on just grounds, to its advantage and with restraint, in line with the developments of the issue. With regard to the Resolution No. 1718 of the UN Security Council, which gives expressions to the common understanding of the international community, China on one hand underscores that all nations are duty bound to implement it rigidly, earnestly and responsibly while on the other hand warning against any willful interpretations about it. The Chinese side has repeatedly stressed sanction is not the objective itself and that punitive measures should be used to prompt the eventual, appropriate settlement of the nuclear issue through dialogue and safeguard peace and stability of the Korea Peninsular and Northeast Asia. Faced with the "hot spot" issue of the DPRK nuclear test that could complicate and intensify contradictions, the parties concerned should appraise the situation correctly, go after gain and be sober-minded, so that they are able to keep to the orientation of peace. Only in this way, can the fundamental interests of all relevant parties be guaranteed to the maximum, expectations of the international community be met, and relaxation of the tension facilitated.

The application of the Six-Party Talks mechanism for the peaceful settlement of the Korea Peninsula constitutes the common understanding of the international community. By going to war or solely airing one's own views, there will be no way out. So, it is still essential, first of all, to get all parties sit down for face-to-face talks. At the urge of the Chinese side, DPRK and the U.S. have agreed on the constructive approach to submit a couple of thorny issues to consultations under framework of the Six-Party Talks. At present, the matter of urgency for the relevant parties is to treasure and maintain the momentum for the dialogue, and take into account one aother's concerns with a more substantial and pragmatic attitude, so as to create appropriate atmosphere for restarting the Six-Party Talks as early as possible.

Editor: Yan