Though the climate of international relations makes it feel like conflict could erupt at any minute, the complex ties and reliance the two nations have on each other make it an even messier affair.

After moves by France, Germany and the Netherlands, the introduction of the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific should come as no surprised. Two questions emerge: Is this new version of the strategy a follow-up to the United States or an independent strategic consideration? And how should China respond?

The resurrected TPP, spearheaded by Japan, alongside the RCEP agreement has the potential to offset billions in economic losses from the U.S.’s trade war. In due time, it could be a prize too sweet for the U.S. to hold out from.

The country is determined to make reforms necessary to becoming a full participant in a world currently being shaped by mega FTAs. It wants to play a bigger role in international rule-making, but some changes won’t be easy.

The country is confident that it will meet the emerging trade partnership’s high standards through reforms at home. But the U.S. and others may attempt to derail it through the “poison pill” clause of the USMCA.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership consists of all the major and middle Pacific Rim powers, save for one - the U.S. The assertiveness Asian countries are showing is indicative of the ongoing gravity shift in economic and political clout.

The recently signed RCEP is adaptable to the circumstances of its participants and is not “one size fits all.” It’s a major breakthrough in bringing together the 10 ASEAN members and five key players in the region.

The agreement marks the emergence of constructive rules for the entire East Asia region. The parties no longer look to the Trans-Pacific Partnership, with its burdensome provisions, as a model template.

It’s true that the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy has brought certain pressures and challenges to China, but these are manageable, given the thinning resources of the United States and the ability of Chinese diplomacy to adapt.

Japan’s Prime Minister hosted a Quadrilateral Security Dialogue that pinpointed the rise of China and the disputes in the South China Sea a focal point.