The remainder of the U.S. election season could play out any number of ways, but it appears a safe bet that Beijing will be spared the vitriol it witnessed in recent American political contests, perhaps the result of a cooling Chinese economy or meaningful advances in the bilateral relationship under presidents Obama and Xi.

The Chinese must view Donald Trump like a house of cards in portraying the ugly side of America's political culture. Mesmerizing, yes, but not realistic.

The Chinese must view Donald Trump like a house of cards in portraying the ugly side of America's political culture. Mesmerizing, yes, but not realistic.

The political outsider could be the Republican presidential nominee if the recent trend endures. But even if Trump’s surge ends, the social discontent it reflects need to be addressed by the incoming U.S. president.

The political outsider could be the Republican presidential nominee if the recent trend endures. But even if Trump’s surge ends, the social discontent it reflects need to be addressed by the incoming U.S. president.

Moderate growth, low inflation, low labor participation rate and a growing wealth gap will be business as usual for a considerable period of time. Fundamental, systemic changes needed for the US to breakthrough its economic doldrums are unlikely in the divided political climate from now until the 2016 elections.

China has received little attention in the early stages of the presidential election campaigns, besides by a few candidates hoping to score cheap political points. Posturing, even if not meant seriously, creates needless suspicions and resentment in U.S.-China relations.

China has received little attention in the early stages of the presidential election campaigns, besides by a few candidates hoping to score cheap political points. Posturing, even if not meant seriously, creates needless suspicions and resentment in U.S.-China relations.

The US’s self-proclaimed “American Century” has led Washington to assume that it “had the right or responsibility to order the world’s affairs,” two prominent American scholars, which has resulted in a series of military failed adventures that could never have resolved enormously complex issues. As the US presidential election approaches, a reality check is in order.

“China-bashing” rhetoric has for years dominated U.S. national elections cycles, however, can a rapidly increasing and geographically diverse Chinese foreign direct investment in the United States temper this typical national anti-China dialogue?