The week ahead is bound to see more diplomatic activity around the contentious issue of the US steel tariffs.
China is filing its first complaint with the World Trade Organisation Geneva and is clearly delighted to suddenly find itself on the side of the angels.
The European Union's Commissioner for External Relations, Chris Patten will be visiting Beijing, and the brewing trade war is sure to overshadow other issues.
China and the EU suddenly find they have common political ground. The EU's steel exports to the US are worth US$4 billion and China's exports are worth just US$350 million but for China is able to say it is the principle that matters.
Despite the tensions with Washington over Taiwan, trade is still very much the pre-occupation of China's leadership. It will probably be at the forefront of President Jiang Zemin's next foreign tour from April 8-22, when he will visit Germany, Libya, Nigeria, Tunisia and Iran. Later this month Vice-President Hu Jintao is expected to visit the United States.
Although China is courted by all the players in the Middle East, its diplomatic interests are not closely tied to events there unless they affect trade and investment.
The fighting between Israelis and Palestinians could destabilise the Middle East and interrupt oil supplies. So could any US actions against Iraq or Iran, identified by President Bush as part of an 'axis of evil'.
