China used to be thought of as no more than a regional power - albeit an important one. Now, it's increasingly being treated as a world power whose influence can be brought to bear either for good or ill in such areas as Iran, Iraq, other parts of the Middle East, Afghanistan and Sudan.
Despite China's inexorable rise as an economic power, the United States is increasingly looking to Beijing as a partner in resolving global crises - while still nervously pondering if this nascent global force may turn into a threat to American interests.
Last year, America's then deputy secretary of state, Robert Zoellick, called on China to become a 'responsible stakeholder' in the world. In particular, the US was concerned about China's single-minded determination to lock up energy resources in countries with poor human rights records that are being boycotted by the west.
Today, Washington seems largely happy with the way China has performed. A turning point was China's decision last month to support a resolution condemning its ally, North Korea, for its recent missile tests.
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice cited that move as evidence that China was becoming a responsible stakeholder. Dr Rice said that Washington and China 'need to make sure that we remain united on Iran. But all that means is that China - which is a country of growing power and influence - needs to be a concrete and active contributor to the improvement of security and prosperity'.
The US is happy with the positive way China has been behaving in other parts of the world, as well. On Afghanistan, Beijing has publicly stated its support for the country's reconstruction and for President Hamid Karzai's efforts at national reconciliation.
On Iraq, China backed a UN Security Council resolution to extend the mandate of the coalition's military presence in the country, and voiced support for December's National Assembly elections.
