The United States has a long history of interference in Taiwan’s internal politics. Now that the ruling party has fewer seats than the opposition, Washington is likely to ramp up its influence on Ko Wen-je and his minority Taiwan People’s Party, which has suddenly become a crucial swing vote.

The complexity of relations between China and the United States and the polarization of U.S. domestic politics are expected to persist for the foreseeable future. In an election year, the danger is significant. The U.S. political ecosystem has the potential to send shockwaves through bilateral relations.

Charlene Barshefsky, a former top U.S. official, discusses in the interview with China-US Focus the lengthy negotiation process for China's entry into the WTO and its lasting impacts on China's economy, global integration, and U.S.-China relations, despite current challenges in trade norms and geopolitical shifts. She also emphasizes the significance of international businesses having a presence in China and the considerations they need to evaluate when determining whether to expand to the Chinese market.

It is essential that China and the United States avoid a nuclear arms race. The recent stabilization of relations is a prerequisite for bilateral nuclear dialogue. Such a dialogue, in turn, will help maintain not only strategic stability but also healthy overall ties.

In 2024 and beyond, the two nations must strive to understand the other’s mindset. Concerted efforts will be needed to mitigate risks and enhance stability. Both should refrain from taking unilateral actions against the other worldwide based on perceptions of maritime security.

Resuming genuine cooperation is the first step for any party that wants to pursue a stable and healthy relationship in the long-run. China and the United States must continue to carry out the spirit enshrined in the so-called San Francisco Vision.

China and Russia’s maligned relationship looks on the surface to be a new axis of power against the U.S. - but by playing it safe, China seeks to reap the benefits of Russia’s favor without offending the West.

The U.S. administration under President Joe Biden crafted its approach in two phases. First, it considered China’s capabilities, and then it combined that capability with a presumed intent, believing that China’s intent is to alter the existing international system. That conclusion is built on a weak foundation.

China topics have receded somewhat as Americans are distracted by Trump antics, immigration, Ukraine and other matters. But the anti-China rhetoric is bound to heat up again as the year progresses and Republicans claw for any political advantage they can find.

Five critical challenges present themselves in the post-San Francisco summit era: Taiwan, geopolitics, dialogue mechanisms, American elections and the U.S. view of strategic competition. Be prepared for a potentially bumpy ride in 2024.