Sino-US relations have gone beyond bilateral scope and are showing increasing global significance. Reality calls for both sides to consider each other’s reasonable concerns, learn from each other, and push aside barriers to their collaboration as they pursue common goals and interests.

On balance, common interests outweigh differences, and President Xi Jinping’s visit to the US will give both sides a fresh opportunity to re-commit to cooperation, accommodate each other’s core interests, and manage differences to avoid disrupting bilateral relations.

For both sides, statesmanship and long-term political commitment is essential at critical moments, as was repeatedly evidenced in the Sino-US relations since the ice-breaking contact in early 1970s. Washington and Beijing must look beyond semantics and embrace a new type of relationship that meets both sides’ goals of peace and progress.

If China can be nudged to align various policies to be more in line with U.S. interests in a way that allows China, too, to save face and claim its required victories at home, this summit will have been worthwhile, and better than having not met at all.

There is no lack of communication between Washington and Beijing on the South China Sea issue, which will likely be on the agenda of the Xi-Obama meeting in September. If China’s “dual-track” approach to the issue can be wed to the new model of major-country relationship between China and the United States, they can reach some accommodation and reduce the chance of a showdown.

At a time when tensions between the two countries seem to be growing, Xi and Obama will likely use this meeting to reassure each other of their mutual commitment to stable, constructive bilateral engagement and explore avenues to manage disagreements such as the South China Sea and cybersecurity.

Tom Watkins proposes that while Xi Jinping is in the United States, he should learn more about Detroit’s reinvention and recovery from bankruptcy to cast new light on China’s current economic woes.

The state visit in Washington is a new chance for both sides to see the other differently, focusing on common achievements and respecting differences. To achieve that, the two presidents must reaffirm principles guiding the Sino-U.S. relationship and re-clarify their strategic intentions.

Seventy years ago, China and the U.S. fought side by side in World War II, and now have to work much more closely to provide public good for the world. Increasing cooperation on combating climate change was the most anticipated outcome of Xi Jinping’s state visit. Collaboration on clean technology, energy-sector reform, and energy security could contribute to the stability of the world’s economy and efforts in tackling climate change.

Political campaigns generally are not well-suited for the thoughtful discussion of complex, nuanced international issues. Lately, China has been a target of GOP pre-election attacks, and it should be known that there is a difference between coming across as tough, and bungling diplomacy all together.