As the new year dawns, the U.S. still struggles with the effort to shape the world with itself as the center. Resisting the opportunity to build a more positive relationship with China, underpinned by stronger and closer cooperation, keeps Washington trapped in the past, while many of its allies, including Britain, Europe, Canada and Australia, have embraced a multipolar world that is no threat to the U.S., except to its national ego.

With Japan’s pride and nationalist impulse to play a bigger international role now rising, its domestic debate on national-security and constitutional reform is set to intensify. Although rising powers tend to be revisionist powers, a politically resurgent Japan, strikingly, is seeking to uphold the present Asian political and maritime order.

In a world of troubles, the ongoing re-shaping of the world order and global governance will require a meeting of minds and concerted actions from big powers.

Although U.S. Republican presidential candidates have surpassed the pugnacity favored by their typically hawkish party, the candidates have been unusually soft spoken on China this year. China has been recognized by the Republicans as an adversary worthy of respect, and as a desirable partner in tackling regional problems.

The success of the climate conference in Paris clearly shows that dialogue between Washington and Beijing can be serious and productive. There are new challenges in the year ahead, with elections in both Taiwan and the US, but the bilateral relationship is so important for international peace and security in the 21st century that we cannot afford to let it drift.

From the Iran nuclear deal to the climate agreement in Paris, a new level of cooperation between Beijing and Washington signals that the pragmatic relationship dating from the Nixon administration is not threatened by changes in international conditions. A consensus is taking shape among celebrities, ordinary citizens, leaders and strategists in both countries that China and the US should not change their course of engagement and cooperation.

Having incubated the Daesh in its global war on terror, the US must take the responsibility to destroy it. Washington cannot sit back and expect the international community to defeat the Daesh forces without US leadership.

In a new world order, in the interest of the US and the whole world, the Washington has to make continued efforts to work with others to deal with the complicated world challenges, otherwise the successes and progress already made – from Iran to Paris and into the future -- could be forfeited.

China offered a $60 billion package to support African development; individual Africans, especially those who are invited to train in China and those who Chinese technicians will assist in Africa, are sure to have their prospects enhanced.

Western fears of Chinese domination in Africa appear overblown. African peoples have benefited economically, but unevenly; African dictators sometimes have benefited politically, though not crucially. While America’s role has shrunk, the U.S. remains the largest, most productive, and most attractive economic partner for African nations.