BEIJING, Nov. 12 -- It is encouraging to see the long list of agreements sealed during U.S. President Barack Obama's China trip, yet still much has to be done to translate promises into reality.

After candid talks between Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping, an unprecedented joint plan was announced Wednesday on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions as well as other deals on visas, trade and military-to-military ties.

Striking an amicable tone, Obama told Xi and business leaders from the Asia-Pacific that the United States welcomes a peaceful, prosperous and stable China. "We want China to do well."

The cordial atmosphere, however, could just be another episode in the relationship between the world's two largest economies, which in recent years have confronted multiple hurdles amid continuing efforts to keep ties on track.

It may also mark the beginning of real progress toward a new type of major-country relationship, if Washington could seize the momentum and take stronger action to deepen cooperation with Beijing.

Proposing the concept of new-type relationship a year ago, Beijing has demonstrated its readiness to help it materialize in ways that will coincide with the interests of both countries and peoples.

Despite their differences on a number of issues, Chinese leaders have repeatedly expressed the belief that the two countries can achieve mutual benefits if they choose to engage with and not estrange each other.

Collaboration is key for the two countries to not only tackle global challenges together, but also dissipate a persistent mood of distrust that could abort the fruition of a new model of bilateral ties.

The positive outcome of Obama's China tour should serve as a reminder of just how much the two countries can and should achieve: They both understand the need to nurture a durable bilateral relationship, and that would require a forward-looking mindset and concrete action.

As America's first "Pacific president," Obama has made his "Asia pivot" a highlight of his foreign policy. But a successful and stable relationship with China could be a brighter spot in the final two years of his presidency.

The future of China-U.S. relationship will present problems as well as opportunities. Yet without China-U.S. cooperation, there is not much to achieve in the Asia-Pacific. If the two countries work together, the entire world stands to benefit. There is a lot to expect from the decision-makers from both sides.