Reflecting on the recent meeting in Alaska between China and the United States, one might be tempted to worry about the tough U.S. posturing. Closer examination, however, suggests it was just political theater staged for the media and domestic observers.

The new U.S. president will want to invest hard strategic resources in the Asia-Pacific region, which will require the use of diplomatic and economic measures to maintain its strategic presence in the Middle East. The arrangement looks reasonable, but it is doomed to fail.

The world has entered a new phase, one that presents new implications for the China-U.S. relationship. As time goes on, adjustments will be made, and some quarrels are inevitable. But in the end, a new type of relations will emerge.

Biden referenced China's "overall goal to become the leading country in the world," adding "that's not going to happen on my watch."

The U.S.-China talks in Alaska will set the stage for future interaction. After public and private meetings met with frustration on both sides, it’s possible a real dialogue has begun. But one thing is certain: China is ready to get down to business.

Alarming headlines coming from the Alaska summit between the U.S. and China spell out a doomsday scenario, but the reality is both parties came prepared to share strong language to satisfy domestic audiences.

The EU-China Comprehensive Investment Agreement (CAI) might look like a free lunch for European companies interested in operating in China but the push for bifurcation of operations both from U.S. and Chinese side could bring unintended negative consequences from such deal.

Large gaps between ambassador appointments can cause significant challenges for the next diplomat. As the next U.S. ambassador sent to Beijing is determined, they should look to past successes like James Lilley to understand how to engage with China.

China-U.S. relations will not continue down the path of the Trump regime, nor will they return to the ways of Obama. Instead, the relationship will enter a long-term phase of competitive co-existence characterized by mutual dependence, where common interests will present opportunities for collaboration.

Fifty years after the great thaw in relations between China and the United States, the two have reached a new turning point, with little reason for them to return to conflict and confrontation. A positive outlook seems warranted, although the future remains uncertain. Will relations decline again, or will they stabilize?