Republican politicians have both turned to China-bashing as their latest campaign strategy as nationalism flares on both sides of the Pacific.

The pandemic has brought out the worst in U.S.-China relations, causing deep rifts and a public blame-game. Just as with other problematic times in this bilateral relationship, it will take time to recover. Stabilization is paramount.

It was not one lone decision that allowed the coronavirus to spread around the world, and the tit-for-tat game the U.S. and China seem to be playing is doing nothing to improve our current situation. The time for cooperation is now.

Past crises and the people who led the world in fighting them can offer us words of wisdom in solving the COVID-19 pandemic today.

With China-U.S. relations already on a downward trajectory, things are likely to get worse. The world is entering a period of heightened risk in the next six months.

Trump administration continues to sow accusations and conspiracy theories over the origin of COVID-19.

The China hawks in the United States should think carefully about a fundamental question: What benefits could America possibly derive from bad relations?

China and the United States may find it difficult to get back to the level of relations they’ve had in the past, but they cannot get far on an irrational path.

China has used the Covid-19 pandemic as an opportunity to invest in and bolster diplomatic relations with a number of countries. The American counter strategy pales in comparison, opening the door for a more powerful China in the post-Covid world order.

Leadership – the ability to help people frame and achieve their goals – is absolutely crucial during a crisis. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill demonstrated this in 1940, as did Nelson Mandela during South Africa’s transition from apartheid.