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.

When two highly motivated powers compete for influence, its defenders prepare for the worst - full blown military conflict. The cost of deadly conflict must weigh heavily on the minds of national leaders before they take their next steps.

The U.S. secretary of state suggested subtly that democratization is still a U.S. strategic goal with regard to China, as well as securing American leadership in technology. All in all, the policies of the Biden administration differ little from those of Donald Trump.

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's final days in power saw him apply pressure to Beijing on sensitive issues. It is likely that President Biden will expand and refine Donald Trump's China policy to include additional economic and humanitarian demands.

The new U.S. president is relying is his political memory as he approaches relations with Europe. But the world no longer matches the memories. He will face significant new hurdles. Donald Trump made structural changes that will not be easy to undo.

China bashing has become a new form of political correctness in the United States. Despite Biden’s rhetoric, it's not clear that he can do away with Trump’s toxic legacy and rebuild the political and social basis of China-U.S. relations.

A conversation between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden on Feb. 11 offered hope of a healthy, renewed relationship built on patterns established over many decades. The two countries have always found a way to move forward, despite occasional setbacks.

Europe finds itself in a dilemma as the United States seeks to enlist its help. It is reluctant to fully engage, as America wishes, in the major power competition because Europe’s rival in that case happens to also be its economic partner.

In light of various domestic pressures on both sides, neither China nor the U.S. has much room for compromise on a number of issues. Benign interaction won’t be achieved overnight. But, with care, it may yet be possible to repeat the “minuet” described by Henry Kissinger.

Easy as this may seem, patience has profound overtones. On the surface, the White House says it will take time to reset China policy. In truth, this indicates how tricky it is for America to handle the relationship. A tipping point is approaching, but leaders on both sides provide reason for cautious optimism.