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She said for trade to work in any economy, there must be a level playing field where domestic and international companies can compete freely.

The top U.S. diplomat said, \"For example, transparency in rule making and standard setting, non-discrimination, fair access to sales to private sector and government purchasers alike - and the strong enforcement of intellectual property rights - are all vitally important. That's what drives innovation, benefits consumers, and ultimately stimulates broad-based and sustainable growth.\" Saying it is a \"win-win\" situation for both countries, Clinton said American companies want to compete in China, selling goods made by American workers to Chinese consumers.

\"Greater economic engagement here and across Asia by U.S. companies - and especially rising exports - help create jobs for American workers, higher standards of living for Asian consumers, and a more balanced global economy, which is good for everyone,\" said Clinton.

On Monday and Tuesday, nearly 200 U.S. officials from nearly every corner of American government will be in Beijing for high-level talks known as the Strategic and Economic Dialogue. They will discuss pressing political issues, such as North Korea's attack on a South Korean naval ship, Iran's controversial nuclear program and China's spotty human rights record. They will also discuss issues of economic balance and competition.

Secretary Clinton said there is already progress on the Chinese-U.S. economic front. The U.S. remains the largest single country market for China's exports, while U.S. merchandise exports to China have more than tripled since 2001, and trends suggest that growth will continue.

Standing in front of a Boeing 737 jetliner, colorfully painted with the logo of the World Expo now going on in Shanghai, Secretary Clinton said the aerospace industry is the United States' leading export sector, with every $1 billion in aviation sales translating into 11,000 jobs for American workers.

Currently, more than half the commercial jetliners operating in China are made by Boeing, and some 450 more are on order. Secretary Clinton said they only represent a fraction of the $400 billion China is likely to spend on commercial jetliners if it triples its commercial aviation fleet by 2028 as projected.

Secretary Clinton said, \"If Boeing captures a significant portion of those sales, it will translate into tens of thousands of additional good jobs for American workers. And the growth of air travel in China and the region will create new jobs here and abroad. President Hu has rightly called Boeing's role in China a 'win-win' for both countries.\"

During the coming days, that sort of economic cooperation will be taking center stage in Beijing.

Dream vacations may become a reality once again for European travelers. Scientists in Iceland report the volcanic eruptions that have disrupted air travel across Europe for more than a month appear to be calming down and the ash cloud that has threatened the continent's airspace is dissipating.

The announcement is welcome news for would-be travelers and the airline industry, which lost an estimated $1.6 billion in last month's six-day shutdown of air space.

But scientists say the volcano is still rumbling deep within the earth and could erupt again. Plus, scientists warn of a larger neighboring volcano that could also erupt at any time. Missing out on tourists during peak travel season is just what Frances Tuke, spokeswoman for the Association of British Travel Agents, would like to avoid.

\"We cannot control the eruptions of a volcano, but what we can do is change and adapt our reaction to it, which is what the U.K. travel industry is endeavoring to do in order to make sure that flying is safe, but that there is minimum disruption,\" she said.

At the height of the volcanic eruptions last month, airlines grounded their planes for fear the ash could interfere with jet engines and make flying unsafe.

Tuke says research since the initial flight ban is helping experts to minimize no-fly zones by identifying which air space is dangerous for travel, and which may be safely used. She says even renewed volcanic eruptions should affect far fewer travelers.

The disruptions of April have cost the travel industry dearly, says economist Linda Yueh. She says fear could further slow Europe's already sluggish economic recovery.

\"Especially with a busy summer and autumn, having this kind of uncertainty is likely to shave off a few-billion dollars or euros from the European economies at a time when really these countries could certainly use that additional revenue,\" she said.

Though some may still be wary about booking flights, the potential of new eruptions is not enough to keep Annette Mansford out of the skies. She and her family are jetting off for a long-awaited island getaway. Mansford's advice for other travelers?

\"Just go! Make the most of it,\" she said. \"Make sure you have got travel insurance, though!\" For travelers to and from Britain, there is an additional factor to worry about - British Airways cabin crews have begun a five-day strike, resulting in hundreds of canceled flights at London Heathrow, Europe's busiest airport.