A Japanese military ship to berth next week at a Chinese port for the first time since 1945. Non-stop scheduled passenger flights to resume the following week between China and arch-rival Taiwan after a break of almost 60 years. Suddenly some of east Asia's most intractable disputes are looking a lot more manageable.

The dramatic progress in Beijing's relations with Tokyo and Taipei in recent weeks should offer real comfort to those who fear the spectre of conflict that accompanies the rise of a new international power.