China must see to its own domestic affairs and promote all-around socioeconomic progress. Externally, it must walk the path of peaceful development without wavering, adhere to an independent foreign policy of peace and hold fast to multilateralism to foster solidarity with other nations. Only in this way can we overcome the severe challenges that are coming our way.

Trump 2.0 is expected to be more mature than it was in Round 1. He will likely place greater emphasis on leadership and earning respect from other countries. If both sides commit to communication, managing differences and deepening cooperation, relations can find a new balance in a complex international environment.

The two major powers should go beyond their differences and work together to advance global industry and offer even greater joint contributions — finding new ways to secure a peaceful, mutually beneficial relationship.

As the impacts of climate change intensify, the U.S. and China must shift focus to adaptation, with opportunities for cooperation through subnational partnerships and a competitive model to assist vulnerable nations. This approach offers a path forward for both countries to lead global efforts in climate action.

Recent developments signal a potential thaw in U.S.-China space cooperation, as NASA’s outreach sparks cautious optimism but also draws sharp political criticism from China, highlighting both the promise and the challenges of collaboration amidst broader tensions.

The election of Donald Trump to a second term signals that the United States will temporarily step back from the next wave of globalization. As a consequence, Japan’s future security will lie in its deep integration into the processes of globalization and regional integration. This raises an opportunity for improving China-Japan relations.

The recent prisoner swap and forward movement on illicit drugs by China and the United States demonstrates that the two powers can make stabilizing progress together when they put their minds to it. But more uncertainty is on the way, as Donald Trump returns to the White House.

There are no winners in war — either shooting wars or technology wars. The scope of the new agreement between China and the United States is narrower after revisions, yet it’s still good for both sides because it preserves contacts and exchanges at many levels.

China-US Focus editor KJ Kerr sat down with Dr. Michael D. Swaine, a prominent American scholar of Chinese security studies, to explore his thoughts on the state of U.S.-China relations. Swaine, currently with the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, points to a need for greater frankness and openness between the rival powers and suggests that they can do things — both individually and together — to reduce tensions and forestall conflict.

"Reagan asked Gorbachev: If Martians attacked the United States, would you come to our defense? And Gorbachev said yes, and then asked Reagan: If Martians attacked the USSR, would you come to our defense? And President Reagan said yes."