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.

International relations should serve domestic economic development and improve the lives of the American people, President Joe Biden said, adding that the U.S. intends to bolster the national interest through diplomatic good offices rather than military means.

A look at the new U.S. president’s actions in the early going of his administration offers many clues — and leaves some blind spots — about policy stances in a wide range of areas, including China. His choices for top cabinet-level positions and other senior leadership posts may be telling.

U.S.-China relations have transformed throughout the past four years. Experts continue to ruminate on how rivalry and competition can be overcome to rebuild trust and cooperation.

President Biden recently gave his first speech on foreign policy after assuming office. While his speech focused more on competition with China, both China and the U.S. must establish ways to cooperate in order to co-exist.

In India, the United States finds a South Asian partner that shares grievances with China. However, by viewing India only on the plane of conflict with China, the U.S. lacks a long-term path toward building a productive relationship with the world’s second most populous nation.

The early Biden administration’s buzzword is “strategic competition” when it comes to China. Yet, with a litany of domestic problems at hand, true diplomacy may be sidelined, or worse, sacrificed to retain a positive outlook for Joe Biden’s domestic agenda.

While some anticipated a “reset” of U.S.-China relations with the new Biden administration, this does not seem to be the case. Early signs reveal considerable continuity with the previous Trump administration, although some changes in tactics can be anticipated.

The Biden administration is attempting to merge some domestic priorities with foreign relations, which should create some room for cooperation. The pandemic, economic recovery and climate change are good places to start.