Tensions between China and the West are being reinforced as assumptions about economic cooperation give way to national security rhetoric. Broad decoupling would be too difficult and costly for the West, while selectively reducing dependence on China in critical areas is seen as a more achievable goal.

Legislators in Washington should cease and desist in their political maneuverings on Taiwan. It’s only making things worse. Undermining the political credibility of the United States and damaging the interests of the American people is a dubious distinction indeed.

The Biden administration recently wrapped up two important state visits with President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea and President Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines. The meetings signify that Biden is on a trek to improve and affirm ties with key Indo-Pacific countries, but it must continue this trend if the U.S. wishes to remain relevant in the region.

It’s no hidden secret that U.S.-China relations have been on the rocks in recent memory. Though both sides are willing to go through the motions of performative summits, the reality of policy taking shape on both sides belies the aggression coming from leadership from both countries.

President Joe Biden has expressed optimism about the U.S.-China relationship. But regardless of whether his positive outlook is warranted, disengagement is “not the way out.” Washington and Beijing must find a new way to get along.

American hand-wringing over China’s socialist system as an alternative for human development has led to a lot of mud-slinging. The U.S. is struggling to maintain its global dominance and is now turning to institutional tools.

This needs to happen if the two great powers expect to reconcile. But it won’t be easy. The Biden administration has continued to damage China-U.S. relations, even as it asks China to be restrained. China may find it increasingly difficult to trust the United States.

The United States is playing a two-faced game: It says all the right peaceful words but then does things that undermine peace and understanding. The recent restart of high-level talks raises hope for renewed cooperation — and that should be welcomed even if it’s limited at first.

After three months without high-level dialogue or contacts between the American and Chinese governments, the past week saw a flurry of direct exchanges. The talks were meant to stabilize strained ties, put a floor under the deteriorating relationship and work out a road map for future discussions and exchanges. While prudence is warranted, there can be some solace taken in the fact that senior officials are at least talking directly again.

The Austria meeting between China’s Wang Yi and America’s Jake Sullivan has injected positive energy into China-U.S. relations, not only for both major economies but also for the global economic recovery. It kept the door open for future dialogue and moved a step closer to stability.