The discovery of a Chinese surveillance satellite over the continental U.S. has led to the most direct speculation of direct conflict with China so far this year. America’s current and previous power struggles with hegemonic, powerful nations shows what may be missing from the equation when it comes to smoothing over U.S.-China ties.

America shamelessly uses other countries to further its own agenda, disregarding their needs. It has split the world and kept it in a state of perennial conflict since World War II and is now invoking the nightmarish return of the Cold War.

While the United States is attempting to use Australia for its own purposes, the future is bright. The island continent’s relationship with China is setting sail in a stormy environment, but emerging cooperation is certain to become both stable and durable.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines described the challenge presented by the great power rivalry between the U.S. and China: “It keeps you up at night, keeps you up in the day, keeps you up most of the time. … It’s very dynamic, it’s constantly in flux, so you have to pay attention to it.”

Both major political parties in the U.S. will manipulate the China issue to show unity, which will affect China-U.S. relations. Faced with an extremely polarized country, a Congress with no self-control and a U.S. administration subject to pressure, China must refine and enrich its own policies.

America’s efforts to reduce reliance on Chinese supply chains may limit China’s economic options in the short term. But this is not sustainable. In the long term, the rise of the Chinese economy cannot be stopped.

Qin Gang, China’s new foreign minister, began his term with a trip to Africa, where he reinforced his country’s longtime commitment to equality and respect for others. China-Africa relations are the “foundation of the foundation” and an ongoing priority in Chinese diplomacy.

Relations between China and the Philippines have a direct bearing on stability in the South China Sea and peace in the wider Asia-Pacific region. Like waves in the sea itself, the situation fluctuates. But sensible leaders and a clear outline for settling disputes can prevent a breakdown.

Canada’s newest Indo-Pacific Strategy addresses important realities of China’s growing political and economic power and potentially paves the way for a reset in Canada-China relations in the future.

It’s important to look at history when considering the current state of the China-U.S. bilateral relationship, or even the state of the world. And one legacy to look back on and learn from is that of former Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai. His wisdom and magnanimity are certainly virtues that diplomats from both sides of the Pacific should appreciate more today.