What is that course? It is cooperation instead of confrontation and mutual benefit instead of zero-sum games, as manifested in the Hu-Obama joint statement: "The United States reiterated that it welcomes a strong, prosperous and successful China that plays a greater role in world affairs. China welcomes the United States as an Asia-Pacific nation that contributes to peace, stability and prosperity in the region The two presidents shared a deeper belief that a stronger US-China relationship not only serves the fundamental interests of their respective peoples, but also benefits the entire Asia-Pacific region and the world."

Needless to say, there are still differences between the world's two great powers. The two countries may have agreed to disagree on issues such as currency, human rights, trade and regional security, but they have also pledged to intensify their dialogue and communication in a spirit of mutual respect to narrow them.

The Hu-Obama joint statement covers almost every important regional and global issue. It even contains a paragraph applauding the newly concluded Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan. The US "welcomed the new lines of communications developing between them," the statement says.

The US position on the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement, a quasi free trade arrangement, is a refreshing and encouraging sign in the development of peaceful, positive and mutually beneficial cross-Straits relations.

Therefore, we hope President Hu's successful visit to the US will signify the dawning of an era of peace, cooperation and prosperity in this part of the world and beyond.

The author is a Chinese-American journalist based in North America.