In her recent visit, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen sought to establish a solid prerequisite for the development of relations between China and the United States. It’s a fine concept in theory, but the U.S. is making it difficult to accomplish in real life.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen recently visited China. The visit and the core messages that accompanied it were remarkable because they evinced an America short on confidence but imbued with its historic sense of entitlement.

Relations have weathered numerous storms since diplomatic relations were established. Now, China and Australia have shown they have what it takes to boost mutual trust, strengthen risk management and bolster regional peace and stability.

Defining the relationship between China and the United States primarily as one of competition — as the U.S. is doing — is dangerous and not advisable. Competition can easily turn into conflict. The long-term U.S. posture on this will depend upon the outcome of the presidential election.

China will provide a degree of certainty in a world in disarray with its innovative approach, openness and enterprising spirit. It will also protect its national sovereignty, security and development interests as it continues to maintain its poise and historical self-confidence.

Progress has been made by the United States to institutionalize three-way strategic cooperation with the ROK and Japan. Under this framework, North Korea, China and Russia are all targeted as America attempts to counterbalance China collectively and comprehensively. The concept is doomed.

Joseph Nye is University Distinguished Service Professor at Harvard University, and a regular contributor to China-US Focus. He unpacks his insights on the bila

What choices should a country make as humanity faces a historical transformation? For China, the answer lies in dismantling the pervasive zero-sum mindset and maintaining an unwavering commitment to win-win cooperation. China and Germany, despite their distinct ideologies and security interests, have the potential to shape a better future.

In a more perfect world, the Philippines proximity to China and relationship with the U.S. would be a net positive for the Southeast Asian power. Yet as things stand today, the situation leaves the Philippines walking a tightrope between the world’s preeminent superpowers.

The developing geopolitical landscape of the 21st Century should see a rising East overtake the West in global leadership, and lack of clear, decisive, and effective China policy would place Europe on the losing side. But, is there any reason the EU cannot grow into the new order with renewed power?