Localized conflicts in today’s globalized society have produced much debate over the welfare of refugees fleeing problems at home, and China seems ready to step in to take leadership in the international refugee space despite its own spotty record on refugees within its borders.

The world is setting their eyes on the Bird’s Nest for a second time. But this round, the Olympic Games are being met with a global pandemic, diplomatic boycotts, and the Russo-Ukrainian crisis.

The winners and losers of the last year tell a story of turbulence and change in a year that saw the world make it through 12 more months of global pandemic and simmering geopolitical tensions, without resolving either issue.

Having achieve little in early December, the United States is looking ahead to another round in 2022. But if the Republicans return to power in the midterm election, international enthusiasm will be dampened.

Hyping the China threat only incites fear. Beware of political opportunism and profiteering when a media outlet starts banging the drums for war.

China and the United States should move forward without delay and show visible results as soon as possible in areas of agreement. Where they differ, they should adopt sound crisis management mechanisms and strive to find compromises that meet the demands of both sides.

As China focuses on the pursuit of common prosperity, reforms should encourage making the overall cake bigger, so that more can find its way to labor. This will unleash consumption as a growth driver and bring many other benefits.

China’s image abroad is a pressing concern for its senior leadership. If they hope to expand their international influence, Chinese officials must accept criticisms of their actions or risk alienating societies who share differing values.

The narrative of Sino-American relations often concerns high-level interactions - yet people-to-people and other societal exchanges can reveal and repair more than official dialogue can often accomplish.

China’s younger generations have seen their country prosper and grow stronger for nearly their entire lives, cultivating a sense of pride and identity unique from their older counterparts. Now, as the United States has begun to openly challenge China’s rise, attitudes toward America are being eroded.