New U.S. President Joe Biden is facing a new and different China focused on global rules. It is trying to work with the United States in a mutually beneficial way, but it is preparing for the worst-case scenario. The two countries now have a window of opportunity to usher in a new phase in their relationship.

China-U.S. relations in the post-Trump era will be driven by China’s increasing strength and shifts in global diplomacy. Because Trump failed to keep China pinned down, the United States will sooner or later be forced to adjust to new realities.

Trump’s presidency drastically changed the American foreign policy landscape, which presents a challenge to Biden as he determines how best to engage in the world’s most significant bilateral relationship.

Historically, following a crisis, dialogues at the highest levels between China and the United States are put on hold indefinitely. At present, neither nation seems to be in a hurry for such a meeting. Here are some of the reasons.

The following is the prepared opening remarks by the author at the Hong Kong Forum on US-China Relations, Jan 26-28, hosted by the China-United States Exchange Foundation in partnership with the China Center for International Economic Exchanges.

A new U.S. policy will emerge in the South China Sea, but only slowly. After his inauguration Biden will pick up where Obama left off, but adding new strategic wrinkles as the U.S. enlists other countries to play its game.

The resumption of talks between China and the United States should be characterized by efficiency and high quality. After many negative twists and turns in recent years, the relationship will eventually find a new model that has not been seen before.

The incoming Biden administration has every incentive to repair relations with China, but the biggest obstacle, more so than Trump’s actions or public opinion, may be Biden’s own election cycle rhetoric.

While we wait for the Biden administration to transition into office, there are several steps Beijing should take to encourage a more productive relationship between the two governments.

The new U.S. president will adjust the country’s China policy, but the general approach — which reflects the mainstream views of American voters — is not likely to change. What will change is the manner in which U.S. policy is carried out, and here there is uncertainty.