The debate over the difference between tactics and strategy is as rich as it is enduring. In his seminal 1996 article in the Harvard Business Review, Harvard’s Michael Porter tackled this issue head on. While his focus was business, his arguments can be applied much more broadly – including to today’s Sino-American rivalry.

Domestic stability on both sides is the key to managing China-U.S. relations. But political calm is an uncertain — even unlikely — commodity, given the mixed messages delivered by high-level American officials before, during and after their visits to Beijing. The coming U.S. presidential election virtually guarantees heated rhetoric on China.

There is a persistence of “grand narratives” in the Sino-American relationship, including a moralistic struggle between 'Good and Evil,' oversimplified views of governance, and the homogenization of China and the U.S. It’s imperative we have more nuanced engagement and a departure from simplistic narratives to foster better understanding and cooperation.

Major country competition has become the main theme of international politics, and relations between China and the United States have moved to a new track. America’s new China strategy features the dual tactic of competition plus competition management. It is bound to complicate matters globally.

Washington has recently made attempts to repair its relationship with Beijing, but with limited success. As the 2024 U.S. presidential campaign approaches, Chinese officials should seek to calm ties involving the U.S. and other Western states.

Dialogues in China show America’s orientation toward “on-demand cooperation,” which is most likely to bear fruit in the green sector and with climate change. It may prove to be a starting point for the recovery of the relationship.

Tension between China and the U.S. is at a precarious point, the renowned diplomat noted, saying the trajectory of the relationship must be altered. In the short to medium term, there are still a significant number of opportunities.

In a series of recent high-level communication between China and the U.S., Treasury Secretary Yellen completed an official visit to China earlier this month. While the trip might indicate that a process towards renewal has finally begun, and pave the way for future dialogue, there were no tangible or immediate outcomes.

Talks between executive officials of the U.S. and China have resumed, after a disastrous start to the year. However, the presence of dialogue alone is no proof that substantial changes are in the works, as substantial changes have not emerged from current meetings.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s visit to China served as a reminder of the integral relationship that exists between the two countries. While the U.S. now says it merely seeks de-risking in its trade policies, it should be careful not to throw the baby out with the bathwater.