China’s recent diplomatic wins could be indicative of the type of world it hopes to build - one where a number of stakeholders have more equal footing rather than being led by one powerful hegemon.

Europe faces three imperatives: It needs to seize the opportunity presented by China’s post-pandemic reopening; it needs China as a stabilizer, in light of the unpredictable prospect of peace in Eastern Europe; and it needs to rebalance its relationship with the United States because of dramatic international shifts in recent years.

China has kick-started a phase of public-facing diplomacy overtures, encompassing Europe, the Middle East, and its own situation with Taiwan. The wave of meetings and visits shows a remarkable change in China’s reception from the international community, as well as where it might still improve its relations.

Qin Gang countered the false narrative pushed by the United States that frames China as an aggressive, coercive pillager. The balloon incident, a supposed Chinese plan to sell arms to Russia and allegations that Beijing intends to attack Taiwan soon only feed misunderstanding.

It’s important to look at history when considering the current state of the China-U.S. bilateral relationship, or even the state of the world. And one legacy to look back on and learn from is that of former Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai. His wisdom and magnanimity are certainly virtues that diplomats from both sides of the Pacific should appreciate more today.

China’s next move is the subject of much speculation and worry for observers and enemies. The current conditions of today’s geopolitical stage should lead China towards its Southeast Asian neighbors in what may be its next international outreach campaign.

As an emerging power, China must cultivate a healthy national psyche, seeing not only from its own perspective but also that of others. It should do its own things well, balancing reform, development and stability. And it should work to reestablish positive relations with the U.S..

Competition with the United States has become a catalyst for change in the way China deals with countries in its own neighborhood. A sophisticated approach in Asia will be required as China balances all its interactions.

The Chinese foreign minister’s 10-day trip brought concrete answers that addressed the real needs of Pacific Island countries. But voices in the West continue to emphasize a negative view of China’s intentions — even trying to lock China and the United States into a cold war framework.

Antony Blinken may have coined the term “asymmetric decoupling” in his recent speech on the Biden administration’s China policy. The formerly abstract term seems to be the perfect way to describe China’s goal of becoming independent from the West while increasing the West’s dependence on China, a strategy that dates back to Emperor Qianlong’s time.