A basketball presented by US President Obama to Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan was one of the highlights of the first round of the China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue which has just concluded in Washington DC, said a Xinhua News Agency report on July 30.

US President Obama presents a basketball to Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan in Washington DC on July 28, 2009.

Obama probably spent some time on choosing an appropriate gift. The basketball was in many ways a perfect present, as the President is fond of the sport and the Chinese are well-known basketball fanatics. Obama chose one of his own favorites to express his consideration and respect, just as a Chinese person would behave towards a friend.

As usual Obama handled the occasion with charm. When he handed the basketball to Vice Premier Wang Qishan, special representative of Chinese President Hu Jintao, the audience broke into long and stormy applause.

But presents between nations usually carry some special meaning over and above goodwill. The basketball brings to mind the power comparison between the US and Chinese basketball teams. The former rules the basketball world and has won the championship many times; the latter is a new and promising team, one to watch for the future.

The Obama administration recognizes the growing importance of China's role in the world. But whether looking at economic or overall national strength, the difference between the two countries is like that between the two basketball teams. Only by facing up to reality can both teams play to their strengths.

It's fair to compare the representatives at the Dialogue to two basketball teams. The officials of the two sides represented all aspects of government, from the economy, energy, education and culture, right down to sanitation. The contents of the Dialogue touched upon politics, the economy, military and cultural issues among others. Both the dialogue and future relations between the two countries could be compared to a thrilling, ongoing basketball game.

As the old Chinese saying goes, if you know the enemy and know yourself, you will never lose. From China's point of view, it should actively push for greater cooperation and dialogue, while preparing itself for tough competition.

But who will referee the match? Undoubtedly both sides need to agree the rules and jointly appoint the referee. That is the only way to ensure fair play. China has put forward proposals on international monetary reform, a new world economic order, and a harmonious, multi-polar world. These issues should be discussed through a dialogue mechanism where fair play and mutual trust ensure the partners treat each other as equals.

Courtesy demands reciprocity. Obama will visit China this autumn, so learning from the US, China might consider a gift of table tennis kit, which will recall the good old days of the ping-pong diplomacy. Both basketball and table tennis are sports, and no one knows who will be the lucky winner in the next match.

(China.org.cn by Zhou Jing July 31, 2009)