They've begun to sense the volatility of the (trade) issue.

The Chinese view of the United States is quite suspicious, ... They are not certain of what our strategic intention of them may be and any act that appears to be bullying -- in their terms, hegemonic, unilateralist -- is bound to stir up passions on their nationalist part of the public.

Given China's record as a launching pad for other infectious diseases, transparency remains a big concern.

Economic problems are going to rise to the surface. Therefore, more Chinese firms will be turning for advice, lobbyists and consultants. Chinese companies want to invest here, and they don't want to make mistakes.

These events provide ample justification to those in China who want to see a slowing or even bringing an end to a better relationship with the United States.

It seems the Chinese would like to proceed and get back to business as usual with the United States in the wake of all the difficulties the relationship had in the past months. And human rights, of course, is a traditional bone of contention.