They are, predictably, running into resistance from others in Congress who are exceedingly sensitive to government watchdog groups, public employee unions and environmental activists for whom concerns about national security come second (if that) to their respective special interests.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Tools of transformation

Free trade deal talks between China, Japan and South Korea that finally got underway in Seoul yesterday have also been widely welcomed by Chinese experts, despite predictions that the negotiations may stall over opening up sensitive sectors like farming and manufacturing, further territorial spats or even US resistance, Liberation Daily reports.

BBC: China media: Vietnam row