US Secretary of State John Kerry's visit to China has come at a critical time. With flaring tensions on the Korean Peninsula, Beijing and Washington both have a stake in maintaining peace and stability in the region.

The rest of the world is watching with great interest whether and how the two countries will build on the good momentum they have fostered in their ties and step up coordination in regional and global issues.

Intensive high-level contacts enable leaders on both sides to compare notes on issues of mutual concern, expand mutual understanding and avoid misjudgment. President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang both met Kerry shortly after his arrival in Beijing on Saturday.