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The article examines U.S. foreign relations in Asia, especially relations with China. Under President George W. Bush, U.S. policy is seen as having been a series of reactions to events, particularly in its efforts to halt North Korea's nuclear weapons program. The development of a strong regionalism in East Asia and China's efforts to become a co-operative regional partner with its neighbors are seen as the most important changes in the region in the 2000s. It is argued that these developments offer the U.S. an opportunity to work with China bilaterally on issues of mutual interest, and through China to work with other Asian countries.

The article examines the prominent dimensions of the U.S. bombing of the Chinese embassy and the mid-air collision of a U.S. reconnaissance aircraft and a Chinese fighter plane. It compares the characteristics of crisis behavior of these two countries and draw some lessons to provide an analysis that can help both sides in dealing with future crises better and in maintaining a productive bilateral relationship. An overview of these two accidental crises is provided as well as the responses taken by the U.S. and Chinese governments.

Reveals the benefits and drawbacks of U.S.-Chinese relations in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Concerns about terrorist forces in Xinjiang, which are believed to have close connections with Al Qaeda; China's concerns about neighboring countries' economic well-being; Call for multilateralism in international relations.