It’s not clear that China and the United States can sit down for truly in-depth discussions that ensure each side can send restrained messages to let the other party get it right. The consequence of failure could mean war, and we’re nearly out of time.

U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi became the highest ranking American government official to visit Taiwan in decades - raising the temperature of the already-tense Taiwan Strait. The current situation reflects not only a history of conflict, but also China’s concerns about U.S. influence in its backyard.

Nancy Pelosi, speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, visited Taiwan recently, dealing a blow to China-U.S. relations and destabilizing regional security. The visit also provides a reference point for the future.

Recent events in the Taiwan Strait have led to an outpouring of international concern regarding potential war between the United States and China. AI technology advancements, which these two superpowers are leaders in research, resources, and patents, would mean that the world has yet to see the most AI-driven conflict in history.

A China-U.S. military altercation and violence over Taiwan ought to be avoided. Several steps must be taken by both sides to ensure global stability, such as maintaining core values like patience, pragmatism, and some degree of empathy for different parties’ perspectives.

China-U.S. relations have worsened since Nancy Pelosi touched down in Taiwan. While Washington still largely believes that the PLA would not attempt an invasion for at least a few more years due to uncertainties and risks, the crisis is further pushing the two nations away from any type of compartmentalized collaboration or transparent communication.

The U.S. House speaker made a bad situation worse, and China-U.S. relations are headed to a new low. Changes can be seen on multiple fronts, but perhaps most clearly in the military dynamics between the two countries and in the chip-making regime, which has become an important chess piece in the geopolitical game.

Successive white papers shed light on national leaders’ approach to reunification with Taiwan. All explain and respond to critics, emphasizing a policy of peaceful reunification and the implementation of the one country, two systems concept.

Worried about Taiwan’s fate, Washington imagines that the Chinese mainland might copy Russia and resort to force. Biden administration officials have said they want to see Taiwan apply the lessons learned from Ukraine’s resistance.

It’s imperative that the new “low” in U.S.-China relations doesn’t become the new normal. And understanding the historical connotations of the relationship, particularly regarding Taiwan, is imperative for paving the way for a better, more diplomatic future.