U.S. President Donald Trump has forced a series of actions that have undermined the confidence of America’s allies. Media accounts are replete with evidence of a philosophical split.

The notion of persuading countries in an expanded G7 to adhere to the U.S. line for containing China has far too much working against it. The schism between America and Europe is only widening under the unpredictable impulses of the current U.S. president.

China-U.S. relations must not be allowed to slide toward a new Cold War or even military conflict. The two countries, and the world at large, have too much to lose. If official cooperation is not achievable, then connections at other levels should take its place.

China is the unambiguous target as the United States shifts away from engagement to pure containment, even though economic logic suggests a more benign path would yield greater benefits.

The COVID-19 pandemic is the latest complication in a relationship that was already strained over trade issues. It remains to be seen whether the outbreak’s positive or negative effects will prevail in the future.

The outbreak of the coronavirus has changed some fundamental things in the world order. Post-pandemic global governance will likely feature significant fragmentation. And it could unfold in a variety of ways.

Bilateral tensions deteriorated further this week, as U.S. backlash continues to mount over Beijing.

President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to advocate for online Chinese casinos despite their affiliated risks has exacerbated anti-Chinese sentiment among the Philippine people. He may have to reform his support of the industry, lest he face the deterioration of his long-cultivated friendship with Beijing.

As China continues to challenge the U.S., Washington should avoid engaging in inflammatory actions and rhetoric that will undermine its international presence and ultimately empower Beijing.

Conspiracy theories about the start and spread of COVID-19, such as those promoted by a few Chinese and American officials and commentators, threaten the cooperation and transparency needed to counter the pandemic.