Symbolism matters on diplomatic occasions, and it will during the planned visit of US President Donald Trump to China later this year. Plenty of thought is no doubt being devoted to it, and plenty of endeavors will be underway to make sure his visit is successful, even fruitful.

However, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's ongoing trip to Beijing must be anything but symbolic.

Rather than being a routine show of mutual goodwill to set the stage for Trump's visit, the guest and his hosts must avail themselves of their meetings to engage in candid communication to straighten at least one thing out - what each can expect from the other to ensure the situation on the Korean Peninsula does not deteriorate and spiral out of control.