The world may not revolve around the US-China axis, but both countries are increasingly finding that no bilateral relationship is more important. The chickens and coking coal at the heart of this week's trade spats will not change that basic fact. While frictions may cool their relationship, they will not alter its basic nature.

Both countries' largest trading partner is the European Union, but China-US trade remains the rockiest. The recession is fanning anti-Chinese flames in the US Congress. Chinese prickliness will continue: Beijing cannot appear to be taking lectures from Washington. Their trade disputes are mostly driven by domestic special interests, and the latest piece of cross-Pacific pugilism is no exception.

This week, the US, with the EU, complained to the World Trade Organisation about China's export restrictions on coking coal, bauxite and other raw materials. Such restrictions lower input prices in China, making refined metals and manufactured goods more competitive. China is also expanding credit lines and tax rebates for exporters.