As if things were not complicated enough before, the political campaign season in the U.S. is upon us, with all its expected anti-China rhetoric. The recent visit to China of U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen applied some needed salve. She made measurable progress through frank discussions.

The U.S. treasury secretary visited China recently, and by many measures it was successful. She demonstrated excellent public diplomacy and engaged in many healthy dialogues, which China welcomed. And yet the United States is the source of continued friction on many fronts.

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

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