The exit of Western producers from Russia led to China's increased presence in Europe, with significant benefits for Chinese manufacturers and oil companies but also raises concerns about geopolitical implications. China's expansion and the recent rise of India as an oil exporter has led to consequences for European energy security and the global economy.

When Tony Blinken last visited Beijing in 2016, he was there together with a large, cross-departmental delegation attending a range of bilateral dialogues. Those were better days for China-U.S. relations. Back then, perhaps even Blinken himself might not have thought that this relationship would take a drastic turn and hit “the lowest point” when he visited Beijing again – after a hiatus of seven years.

Just as a pianist practises a new piece of music slowly, with attention to every phrase, keeping the first signs of goodwill between Washington and Beijing on track calls for a disciplined use of words. More educational exchanges and people-to-people interactions will also help improve understanding and dispel fear and suspicion.

Amid rising tensions between the United States and China in Asian waters, ASEAN nations, led by Indonesia, are intensifying their efforts to manage and diffuse the military tensions. Initiatives such as the Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK) and joint naval drills aim to engage both superpowers and promote dialogue. ASEAN states are strengthening their defensive positions while pursuing diplomatic engagement to ensure regional stability.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s trip to China marked the first proper meeting between executive representatives from the U.S. and China since January’s balloon fiasco. Both countries are far away from signing into binding commitments with one another, but the summits alone provide a platform for communication to take place.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s long-delayed trip to Beijing has come and gone. Despite the predictable optimistic spin on the visit – both sides agreed to strengthen people-to-people exchanges and promised to continue talks – it did little to defuse the increasingly fraught conflict between the United States and China.

India wants to maintain cordial relations with multiple entities on the international stage, while the United States seeks a tighter alignment. Despite U.S. inducements, India is not likely to abandon its fundamental diplomatic philosophy of strategic autonomy.

Redefining trade and economic relationships to achieve balance and prevent excessive dependence in strategic sectors has emerged as a key protectionist policy and geopolitical tool among major global powers. And while policies like dumping, dual circulation, security and development, or decoupling and de-risking, all share a common objective, each major power must determine its own mechanisms for course correction.

A single visit to China by the U.S. secretary of state will not change the trajectory of relations, and American officials have tried to lower expectations. The foremost test in the years to come will be the prevention of war, which many believe is unavoidable.

The United States values the UK’s global vision, as well as its compatible political model and its capacity to manipulate global multilateral discourse. The historical bond between the U.S. and Britain runs deep, and it continues in the new era.