Sea-Tac hosted the signing of the latest U.S.-China air treaty yesterday, but it's unlikely to host flights between the countries anytime soon.
So the question for Seattle is whether courting a Chinese carrier makes more sense than waiting to lure a top-flight international airline. Both Hainan Airlines and Shanghai Airlines reportedly have had talks with Seattle about starting flights, and Hainan has considered linking with Alaska Airlines for connections in the U.S.
Of course Seattle should pursue all comers to expand international service, in order to remain competitive and capitalize on visiblity around the 2010 Olympics. It should seek a Chinese carrier and continue courting major international carriers that would offer this region a premium network, for example a Cathay Pacific flight to Hong Kong. Note that Vancouver offers daily nonstops to three Chinese cities on a range of airlines.
Any nonstop would help trade and tourism. Consider the impact on some businesses in Oregon when Delta Airlines ended its Asia flights from Portland (eventually Northwest was recruited to start Tokyo flights). But a second-tier airline won't lure major corporate or frequent fliers who expect mileage plans and extensive networks. Smaller airlines using Seattle as a U.S. toehold would likely shift to bigger city as soon as possible (both Thai and China Eastern left Seattle for California in the 1990s).