The Trump administration has become increasingly hawkish, but confrontation with China goes far beyond trade friction, raising the specter that US-China relations could come to resemble Cold War era tensions.

From a dazzling Winter Olympics in South Korea to another devastating tsunami in Indonesia, the Year of the Dog was one of definite surprises. Take one last look at who was up and who was down in Asia in 2018, and get ready for what might well be an even more unsettling year ahead.

The absence of an international rival has been a disaster for domestic politics.

Recent developments in the US-China relationship have influenced American perception towards China-- the fastest-growing economy in the world. Ultimately, the best defense against a rising China will be a rising and cooperative America.

China posted a trade surplus of $323.32 billion with the U.S. in 2018.

Progress made in the latest trade talks over forced technology transfer and IPR.

Buckle up for a bumpy 2019.

The Trump administration is systematically targeting the Chinese economy, well beyond Trump’s fixation on trade imbalances. China has responded by launching an expansive fiscal policy, by loosening its monetary policy and doubling-down on home-bred industrialization in key sectors. While the two governments have recently agreed to a ceasefire, prospects are not good and additional measures should ameliorate bilateral tensions while negotiations continue.

The US-China relationship must endure

Both countries must manage differences and forestall risks.