How to accommodate China to benefit all

Rivalry between great powers doesn't always have to generate super friction. Competition can produce excellence, even a good new idea. A prime example is the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

While almost everyone liked the AIIB proposal from the start, the United States not only criticized it, but also pressured its allies not to join it. After all, it wasn't its idea - it was China's. So what? Even the United Kingdom, with its so-called "special relationship" with the US, was enthusiastic. Probably, other good ideas will come from China - maybe even an idea for taming the South China Sea tempest. Then reason could rule the waves and the mad struggle for resources funneled into channels of diplomacy.

But one major impediment to mutual understanding and appreciation is the American media. On this issue its reportage has been horrible - one-sided and ideological.