Now that China-U.S. relations have reached a historical turning point, will they part ways and even engage in a cold war? Or will they sit down and negotiate, reach an agreement, and work together?

While some may hold out hope that a Democratic House of Representative in the U.S. could lead to changes in the country’s policy toward China, the reality remains competition, not cooperation.

The U.S. cannot continue to think that it will define the international system. China’s rising power means a change of world order is inevitable.

A cold war in which both sides carve out autonomous spheres of influence and jockey for power in a bipolar order is highly unlikely. Much more likely is the emergence of a chaotic mélange.

Hostility towards China is the one thing Americans agree on.

Intensified competition will not necessarily lead to a new Cold War.

While some may wish to focus on the narrative of a new Sino-American cold war, this concept is misleading.

The departure of Ambassador Nikki Haley, a strong force for U.S. policies at the UN, illustrates a looming question: as the U.S. withdraws from the multilateral system it built, who will fill the void? China may be next.

How will the Sino-American relationship evolve?

We should learn from history, but not be constrained by it.