US can no longer deny China's rise

The just concluded APEC conference is already being lauded as an unequivocal success. In particular, China's vision for the Free Trade Area of the Asia - Pacific has been hailed by one and sundry.

APEC members big and small have given China's inclusive approach to economic integration and partnership a resounding vote of confidence. This is consistent with the theme of the conference: inclusiveness, partnership and togetherness. But political tensions remain despite clear progress made at the landmark APEC conference.

Handshakes all-round among the participating leaders symbolized a fresh and optimistic outlook, and China should be applauded for creating such an amicable atmosphere amid a multitude of strained political relations across the region.