Amidst the India-Maldives dispute, the intricate dynamics of small island states emerge as pivotal players in the evolving maritime power play. As global powers vie for influence, the geopolitical spotlight shifts to these territories, whose strategic significance prompts a reassessment of traditional labels and fosters a newfound assertiveness in negotiating their roles in the international arena.

As dissatisfaction with the Western-led financial system grows, BRICS is emerging as a collective voice for developing nations, challenging the dominance of the U.S.-led global order and advocating for alternatives to the dollar and euro.

The mechanism differs markedly from the Western alliance system, which is why many countries have sought to join. It represents the Global South in the new round of reconfigured industrial and value chains, and will help shift global governance from a center/periphery model to an equality/common governance model.

The United States seeks to widen the technology gap with China as much as possible and thus will create more barriers for Chinese research and development. It may even try to push back some of the technological advancements China has made. China needs to prepare for greater pressure.

Summary of concepts presented by experts at Jan. 30 seminar hosted by the Charigo Center for International Economic Cooperation (CIEC)

China’s newscasters have historically portrayed the U.S. in a negative light, but there has been a subtle shift in coverage since the Xi-Biden Summit in November. This highlights the significance of in-person dialogue and the need to continue finding areas of cooperation, as both sides recognize that the current disruption of trade and downward spiral of violence in the Mideast is not a winning scenario for either side.

China-Vietnam relations saw a strategic shift after President Xi Jinping's significant visit to Hanoi, resulting in 36 cooperation agreements. Vietnam's approach balances economic development, military modernization, and diplomatic ties with the U.S., Japan, and the EU, emphasizing managing relations with China from a position of strength for long-term stability and development.

America’s actions that are directly detrimental to China’s interests render China’s cooperation in some regions irrelevant. The good news is that China and the U.S. have agreed to strengthen cooperation. But to ensure concrete results, the U.S. needs to do more.

The way forward for China-U.S. relations involves a cognitive shift from guardrails — which are short-term in nature and designed to prevent the escalation of conflict — to boundaries, which are principled markers meant to fundamentally change perceptions and prevent the occurrence of conflicts in the first place.

To fully understand, one must take note of what China advocates and defends, as well as what it opposes. The logic is the same — to create a favorable international environment that will serve not only the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation but contribute to global peace and development.