When the heads of state of the world’s most powerful and most populous nations meet in Washington D.C., they will have to deal with a whole set of issues and problems that includes trade, energy, Korea, and Taiwan, among others. All are essential for normal bilateral relations. None, however, can be resolved to one’s complete satisfaction. Nonetheless, the summit itself – the momentum of which will be picked up later this year when President Bush visits China – provides a vital opportunity for the two nations to adjust and cushion their closely intertwined and somewhat strained relations.