The future of China-U.S. relations depends on efforts from both sides. But China needs to do more to communicate that it does not see America in decline, nor does it want a new Cold War.

Yang Jiechi met with Mike Pompeo in search of a constructive relationship. The fact that such a meeting could take place signals that there’s some wiggle room, though not at the expense of China’s core interests.

China’s rivalry with the United States unavoidably spills over into surrounding regions. There can be little doubt, therefore, that stabilizing the regional order must be China’s top priority. Its diplomacy should be focused at the regional level.

Three directions are possible for a post-pandemic China that is reassessing its domestic and international goals. Whichever direction it chooses will have implications beyond its borders.

Chinese and Indian troops engaged in the deadliest border clash since 1960s. How will this incident affect the future of bilateral relations, especially as both countries celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations?

If the ideas of extreme partisans like Steve Bannon were to come to pass, the world would be a more dangerous place. For the U.S., decoupling would mean a complete reorganization its East Asian industrial chains. This nonsense needs to stop.

The European Union wants to forge stronger bonds with China because its members know what that means. As the world’s second-largest economy, and with its immense consumer market, China has a lot to offer.

There are many factors in play that work against a precipitous break in China-U.S. relations. The current fever of confrontation will break if the two countries adhere to a few bottom-line principles.

Pompeo met China’s top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, in Hawaii in what Beijing described as a “constructive dialogue."

The COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in an era of seismic change that has strained relations. But if handled properly, it’s an opportunity to establish even stronger ties going forward.