If China and the US engage in earnest to build the new type of big-power relationship proposed by President Xi Jinping, based on the principles of “no confrontation, no conflict, mutual respect and win-win through cooperation”, It will be a great help in reducing fears in America about China’s rise.

In ignoring an upcoming verdict on the South China Sea, Beijing is following well-established precedent by great powers.

China has an overall strategic environment and strategic tasks that are much bigger than the South China Sea issue. China should proceed from the perspective of the strategic situation, make peace with neighboring countries, and finally persuade the US to accept China’s role in Asia. Governments of China’s neighbors may support one element in the Chinese government’s basic position on the South China Sea issue, but not necessarily all elements, and Beijing must balance its strategic priorities.

The geopoliticalization of the South China Sea by the US has further complicated the security situation in the region and placed more hurdles in the peaceful settlement of disputes. The new president of the Philippines has made remarks concerning possible resumption of dialogue and negotiation on the Nansha Islands issue, a very welcome development.

In the past 20 years, the Philippines reached and signed at least six statements and agreements with China on peaceful settlement of the South China Sea disputes through negotiations. The current unilateral arbitration – deemed illegal by China and at least 60 other countries – is a ploy to legalize its illegitimate seizure of Chinese territory and deny China’s sovereign claims and maritime rights.

The new Philippine government is serious in its intention to talk to China in order to peacefully manage the South China Sea Disputes even after the arbitration ruling. However, if China overreacts at the expense of Philippine security, the Duterte administration will face no choice but to succumb to the pressures of other major powers.

Enhancing ties with Beijing gives Russia some breathing room as the country is squeezed politically and economically because of its moves in Crimea and eastern Ukraine. Doubts about Russia’s ability to pay back debts and good faith in pursuing such cooperation aside, there are benefits for China, too, in balancing US global power and influence.

The untimely passing of Ambassador Wu Jianmin is a reminder that President Xi’s mantra of “no conflict or confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation” is worth repeating by more “doves” in both countries. The China-US relationship must be guided by more common sense, so that the “core interests” of both sides will not be undercut by “hawks” craving for war.

Longstanding frictions between London and Brussels came to a head with security and immigration issues. In the final analysis, the EU needs to bring itself closer to the masses, and respond positively to such public concerns as employment and security. That is the only way for the EU to retain support from member countries and sustain its vitality.

The relationship between China and the United Kingdom was close, especially in economic terms, though as Jonathan Holslag argues, China may need to find a new preferred partner. Europe is at a juncture: it remains to be seen whether frustration about alleged unfair competition from China will lead to a much more protectionist trade policy, whether the European Commission grants China Market Economy Status, and whether a fragmented European position on trade could strengthen China’s own geopolitical position.