In his recent address to the US Congress, President Joe Biden warned that China is deadly serious about trying to become the world’s most significant power. But Biden also declared that autocrats will not win the future; America will. If mishandled, the US-China great-power competition could be dangerous. But if the United States plays it right, the rivalry with China could be healthy.

The Biden administration is making their policy toward China clear as they maintain a position emphasizing democratic values and alliances. In contrast to the previous administration, Biden also recognizes the need to invest at home in order to remain competitive with China.

An act recently introduced in Congress sets the tone for the Biden administration as it unilaterally attempts to cement the role of the United States as arbiter of security matters in the Arctic region. But China must safeguard its own interests.

Australia is an outlier - its geography makes it a Pacific power, yet culturally, it is a part of the West. Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is poised to give a nuanced perspective on the rise of China - but will global leaders follow suit?

When China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, recently called for a reset of bilateral relations with the United States, a White House spokesperson replied that the US saw the relationship as one of strong competition that required a position of strength. It is clear that President Joe Biden’s administration is not simply reversing Trump’s policies.

China bashing has become a new form of political correctness in the United States. Despite Biden’s rhetoric, it's not clear that he can do away with Trump’s toxic legacy and rebuild the political and social basis of China-U.S. relations.

Europe finds itself in a dilemma as the United States seeks to enlist its help. It is reluctant to fully engage, as America wishes, in the major power competition because Europe’s rival in that case happens to also be its economic partner.

While some anticipated a “reset” of U.S.-China relations with the new Biden administration, this does not seem to be the case. Early signs reveal considerable continuity with the previous Trump administration, although some changes in tactics can be anticipated.

New U.S. President Joe Biden is facing a new and different China focused on global rules. It is trying to work with the United States in a mutually beneficial way, but it is preparing for the worst-case scenario. The two countries now have a window of opportunity to usher in a new phase in their relationship.

Trump made a show out of confronting opponents American or foreign. Though he made China a key opponent throughout his presidency, the fallout from his political movement in the U.S. could make repairing Sino-American relations a second priority in the next presidential term.