Contrary to some commentary, the American political system has not been swept away by a wave of populism, and no one should underestimate US institutions.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has responded to Donald Trump’s anti-trade rhetoric by backing “openness” and “economic liberalization.” He said protectionism was like “locking yourself in a dark room.” Although his message was welcome, many in the West observed that his government followed a very different course at home, cracking down on contact with foreign people and thoughts.

Artists in every country face funding challenges, so what is unique about China’s situation? One word: change.

At a time when male-dominance in political leadership is being challenged in many parts of the world, the PRC public is likely to take greater notice of the gender imbalance within China’s political elite. Although the PRC party-state system has successfully incorporated a broader range of backgrounds and viewpoints over time, China lags behind global trends in elevating female leaders. Unless Xi and the CCP leadership prioritize vigorous institutional reforms to address this issue now, the insufficient representation of women leaders will remain a notable deficiency of the PRC party-state system for the years to come.

Cities in China and across Asia are growing outwards and upwards at breakneck speed. Livable, dynamic and vibrant cities are greater testament to a country’s prosperity and policy successes than any number of skyscrapers, no matter how big or how tall. As cities in America and China build higher, it is what is sustained below that will matter most.

Chinese consultative democracy, as embodied in the “two sessions”, is enriching global understanding of democratic institutions. The advantages of the Chinese political system lie in the fact that it takes into consideration both democracy and centralization, efficiency and fairness, outcome and procedure.

As two of the most advanced countries engaged with these technologies and global leaders, the United States and China must together play a leading role in ensuring that the genetic revolution enhances human health and well-being and that the worst dystopian fears can be avoided.

Can business leaders become central players in the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leadership? The recent rise of provincial chiefs (governors and provincial party secretaries) who have experience as top commanders of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) suggests that these individuals will play a more pronounced role in Chinese politics in the years ahead.

Politically, grabbing one of China’s most well-connected tycoons sends a powerful message to the “tigers” who have so far survived Xi’s anti-corruption drive. However, to destroy the corruption market requires more than the arrest and incarceration of the participants but fundamental economic reform.

As the consequences of the still evolving temporary travel ban to the United States put in place by the Administration of U.S. President Donald Trump continue to play out, policy makers need to keep in mind that understanding begins with engagement.