It wasn’t just the weather that was cold when senior US and Chinese officials convened recently in Anchorage, Alaska to try to reset their countries’ relations after four years of mounting tension. Sadly, the meeting was more reminiscent of the Cold War era than of a fresh start. That needs to change quickly – before it is too late.

The primary takeaways involve China’s military spending, development pattern and approach to relations with the United States. Both countries know that only by dealing with domestic issues will they be able to maximize their international role.

This year’s National People’s Congress was held at a historic juncture, with the country having largely achieved its goal of becoming a well-off society. GDP is rising to match the United States, and per capita income rose to more than $10,000. Absolute poverty in the country was eradicated. Here’s what it all means.

Because of its huge population and uneven development, China remains the largest developing country in the world. Everything is in transition. We ask that the country not be judged by imagination. Rather see it for what it is, in good faith. We are a hardworking nation setting great goals and striving to improve our lot.

Traditional narratives about farmers and the American heartland paint a narrow picture of what agricultural industry leaders are hoping to achieve with the United States Heartland China Association.

China needs to lay solid groundwork for domestic development, achieve a stable and controllable production regime and master core technologies. At the same time is should unleash Chinese market demand, so it no longer has to depend on foreign markets.

Trump’s hardline stance against Chinese influence put popular apps TikTok and WeChat in the crosshairs during his final year in office, but his predecessor shares with him a history of restricting Chinese tech companies in the U.S. as well.

The Trump administration’s weaponization of the U.S. dollar pushed other countries to reconsider their dependence on the currency in global markets. China and Russia may plan to insulate themselves from dollar instability by pursuing the ‘de-dollarization’ of international trade.

China’s state-backed digital currency has the potential to reshape global financial markets and could revolutionize money for good.

The post-pandemic era provides paths that, if followed, will catapult the country into first place globally by mid-century. It will open wider, increase cooperation with international partners and make even greater contributions to the world economy.