In the new rules of the game, security, defined as access to energy resources and fighting terrorism, rather than territorial acquisition, is how countries keep score in the win loss column.

China and the U.S. take different approaches in their projections of power - hard and soft - based on their capabilities in the new geopolitical economy. In the absence of aircraft carriers, China uses its ever-growing market muscle.

While clashes over commerce and culture between America and China will persist for the foreseeable future, there are opportunities to strike a delicate balance with China as an ally in the war on terror for American policy makers in their goal of candid, cooperative, and constructive relations with the Chinese.

On July 5 the leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, (the Beijing-inspired regional grouping of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Russia) issued a statement calling for a timetable on the removal of U.S.-led coalition forces from member countries.

The coalition has a base in Manas, Kyrgyzstan about 20 miles from the capital Bishkek and 200 miles from the Chinese border at Xinjiang province. Since 2001 it has also had one used by U.S. Special Operations Forces in Karshi-Khanbad located in southeastern Uzbekistan.

Both Russia and the U.S. have bases around the Tajik capital Dushanbe. Moreover, Kazakhstan regularly grants airfield access and over flight rights to American aircraft.

Analysts note the bases in former Soviet republics in Central Asia established to support operations against the Taliban in Afghanistan are viewed with apprehension in Beijing as a form of possible encirclement and well as projecting American military force and cultural influence in the region.

In China's state-run media summary of the declaration made in the Kazakh capital Astana, SCO leaders expressed their support for the international coalition's anti-terrorism operations in Afghanistan, but also urged "parties to the coalition to set a deadline for the temporary use of the SCO members' infrastructure facilities and for their military presence in these countries."

China's foreign ministry and the SCO have released statements condemning the terrorist bombings in London.

Late Thursday foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao expressed shock at the incident and strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in a news item released by Xinhua. He said China opposes terrorism of any form, adding: "Anyone who launches terrorist attacks and causes casualties of civilians should be resolutely condemned, regardless of his or her purpose."

The spokesman said the tragedy also shows that the global fight against terrorism "remains an arduous task and the international community still has a long way to go" Liu promised "China will continue to enhance cooperation with the international community in this field."

Zhang Deguang, Secretary General of the SCO issued a statement saying "We strongly condemn these acts of terror and extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims."

In an oblique reference to recent civil unrest in Uzbekistan, Zhang noted: "A series of explosions that happened in London, and an act of terror and violence which recently took place in Central Asia, have once again demonstrated that terrorism is a common threat and serious challenge which the international community is being faced with nowadays."

The statement ended with Zhang saying, "The Shanghai Cooperation Organization is ready to strengthen its solidarity with the international community and to make joint efforts in the first against terrorism, separatism, extremism and for the protection of peace, security and stability in the region and in the world."

Human Rights Watch released a statement on July 2 regarding an incident on May 13 this year when hundreds of unarmed demonstrators were killed in the Uzbek city of Andijan.

Holly Cartner, the New York-based group's Europe and Central Asia director said the SCO "should hold member-state Uzbekistan to account for the violence committed by government forces."

The SCO meeting in Kazakhstan earlier this week reflects the growing importance China has in Central and South Asia as this year's gathering saw Iran, India and Pakistan gain admittance with observer status to in the group. Mongolia joined as an observer at last year's meeting in Tashkent.

At a press conference on July 1 in the run-up to the Astana meeting, United Press International asked Zhang what level of contact there had been between the U.S. and the SCO.

Zhang stressed that the SCO was "an open organization that was ready for dialog" then added, "there has been no official contact with the government of the United States." He said there had been four unofficial meetings with an unnamed non-government organization as well as Congressional aides.

Analysts will be watching to see if the SCO comes up during Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's visit to Beijing over the weekend. It may be opportunity to make the new Great Game a win-win situation with American observer status rather than a zero sum contest.

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