U.S. President Joe Biden often talks about leading the world. But if sanctions are what he meant, and if abusing the national security exception against WTO members is the means, the global economic system would be better off without America.

The domestic and foreign policies of the United States will both return to the pragmatic tradition, partly because of the diverse nature of the country. At the same time, pragmatic diplomacy in a pluralistic world will improve international relations.

Unlike Britain and the United States, China actually walks the walk of human rights. It doesn’t merely talk the talk. What the Chinese mainland has taught us is that the zero-COVID policy is the most effective solution for avoiding deaths.

This extremely difficult period could have included a terrible recession. Instead, we have seen growth around the world. Wealth is being created on a daily basis. What we need is better distribution wealth so that people have happier lives.

The main deficit on the geopolitical ledger is mutual strategic distrust. If this cannot be overcome, the world will be condemned — like Sisyphus in Greek mythology — to roll the boulder of a contentious U.S.-China relationship uphill for eternity.

There are and will continue to be differences between China and the United States. This is typical of humans, as any family knows. But the world needs China and the United States to be working together, marshaling and complementing their respective strengths.

Localized conflicts in today’s globalized society have produced much debate over the welfare of refugees fleeing problems at home, and China seems ready to step in to take leadership in the international refugee space despite its own spotty record on refugees within its borders.

What should be China’s view? It should avoid competition for its own sake and avoid rhetorical pitfalls. It should also consider historical context and the needs of humanity as a whole. Competition should be managed, not malicious.

The postwar foundation laid by the United States has been shaken, and the Western model is in trouble as never before. The primary creator of the liberal international order has unwittingly sabotaged itself.

Worries by the United States that China will take over its leadership role are based on a serious strategic misunderstanding. The road ahead for the international power structure as it shifts to a multipolar pattern may be long and difficult, but the prospects are promising.