The US is finally taking China seriously

DURING the US-China rapprochement of the 1970s, China's goals were clear. It wanted to break through its diplomatic isolation - partly self-imposed - develop the economy and enhance its international standing, all with the ultimate goal of national reunification, with Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan returning to "the embrace of the motherland".

The US, on its part, did not appear to have long-term goals. Then President Richard Nixon's major problem was the Vietnam War and domestic protests. He promised during the 1968 presidential campaign to end the war.

One reason for his overture to China was to seek its intercession with Hanoi. But China refused to get involved.