For more than a century, joining the “family of nations” has been a goal of Chinese leaders. Some are now predicting that China will soon assume many of the leadership roles that the United States is withdrawing from. But it’s not the first time that such opportunities have presented themselves.

On July 6th CSIS hosted an event to release a major report on U.S.-China relations written by a group of experts from some of America’s leading foreign policy think tanks.

Despite the shocking withdrawal by the US from the Paris climate accord, the G20 Summit in Hamburg, demonstrated that good and healthy bilateral relations continue to play their roles. Strategic partnerships are gaining respect, popularity and upgrading.

Bilateral ties between Myanmar and China, at least at top governing levels, appear to be improving following souring diplomatic and economic ties during the previous Thein Sein administration. As China expands its investment footprint, it must heed the widespread wariness, and in some areas, strong anti-Chinese sentiment in Myanmar.

Indian and Chinese troops have been locked in a standoff in Doka La – where the borders of Bhutan, China and India meet – for almost a month now, the longest such impasse between the two armies since 1962. And India is far from the only country that has been humiliated at the hands of China.

Japan still sees the US relationship as its diplomatic basis and top priority, especially in maintaining the stability of US-Japan alliance. But in the face of current uncertainties, it also is beginning to seek diversity in foreign affairs as a way to maximize Japan’s interests.

The danger that flows from Trump being an Active-Negative regarding U.S.-China relations is Trump’s propensity to take a wrecking-ball approach to past policies and approaches aimed toward maintaining a precarious regional stability. Yet now more than ever, the need to work well with China is critical given North Korea’s successful July 4th ICBM test.

Following a brief "honeymoon", trade emerges as a major point of friction, especially as the 100-day trade plan concludes on July 16th.

Europe is a long way from a common defense structure, but the need is growing. And, ironically, the unpopular Trump may prove more of a help than a hindrance.

Despite some hidden troubles in the relationship, by establishing effective channels of communication, prudently dealing with “provocations” and actively formulating an “agenda of cooperation”, Beijing and Washington have sustained a relationship that could have been swamped in uncertainties in the recent US transfer of power.