Dear Focus Reader,

On top of an array of events poised to impact the China-U.S. relationship in 2024, including the U.S. elections and the quickly approaching elections in Taiwan, this year also marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In a recent speech about the anniversary, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that Washington and Beijing must insist on peaceful coexistence and transcend their differences like they did when they established relations 45 years ago.

"China-U.S. cooperation is no longer a dispensable option for the two countries or even for the world, but a must-answer question that must be seriously addressed," he noted.

Additionally, Wang promised that by the year's end, giant pandas would also make a comeback to the United States, specifically California.

U.S. President Joe Biden also commemorated the anniversary in a letter to President Xi Jinping, according to Chinese officials. Biden discussed how the bilateral relationship has promoted prosperity and opportunity in the United States, China, and the world, and committed to advancing the progress they have made together.

But as the two nations commemorate this milestone, their ties will be tested as Taiwanese voters head to the polls this weekend. The elections are a three-way race, and a core issue for voters will be their vision for Taipei's relationship with Beijing. China's Defense Ministry issued a statement ahead of the elections warning it would "smash any Taiwan independence plots", according to reports.

As tensions across the strait increase, Washington has stated it's prepared to work with both Taipei and Beijing to "avoid miscalculations and an escalation in tensions, regardless of which presidential candidate wins."

For now, catch up on our latest Focus content, including topics covering China's economy, the Taiwan elections, and the evolving subsidy race.