Interstate political relations are changing the dynamics of the international system. China’s relationship with Russia has become a tool for balancing the shifting pres-sures. But no country can predict the consequences of war. Staying out of it may be the best way to maximize gains.

Taiwan’s DPP, the pro-independence ruling party, has been fighting to retain relationships in the fallout of losing Honduras’ recognition to Beijing. Meanwhile, opposition leaders have breached a historic cross-strait divide with a visit to mainland China, all of this happening in the run up to Taiwan’s presidential elections next year.

China has maintained a minimal presence in the Middle East over the last few decades, but Beijing’s mediation between Iran and Saudi Arabia demonstrates that Beijing is staking out a new, positive role in the region.

The U.S. Intelligence Community’s hyping the notion of an alleged China threat will continue to promote negative perceptions within American society. It caters to the mentality of some special interests that stand to gain from China-U.S. competition.

The United States has gained expanded military access in the Philippines, including the renewal of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and potential joint patrols in the South China Sea, which has raised concerns from some Filipino lawmakers and questions about the country's independent foreign policy. Additionally, there are worries about the speed and transparency of the expansion, as well as its impact on domestic politics and foreign relations with China and beyond.

As U.S. influence recedes, China’s role in the region can be expected to grow. It will push for peace, rather than dominate decision-making. China respects the people and will encourage them to be their own masters.

The strategy is based on 20th century thinking in a 21st century environment. It will therefore inevitably run into problems. This design flaw is its Achilles heel: It has improper strategic goals, an imaginary competitor and an ineffective and misguided approach.

Israel’s security concerns should be respected, but the U.S. cannot ignore the other side of the story. It should help make peace between Israel and Palestine by restricting Israel’s hard-line approach. If America’s humanitarian concerns are genuine, it should take action.

The European Deterrence Initiative resulted in the Russia-Ukraine conflict eight years after its creation. Will the PDI lead to a U.S.-China or Japan-China conflict — or any other conflict in the days to come? The situation should be watched closely with high vigilance.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict is forcing people to rethink the role of today’s international system in maintaining world peace. The system is currently out of balance, with one superpower and several other significant powers jostling for prominence.