For the United States, the Nord Stream 2 gas project is a reminder of its waning global hegemony. Its ability to control its allies has declined. Bilateral relations have deteriorated. Attempts to block construction have failed. America has become a shadow of its former self.

China has had major success in dealing with the COVID-19 crisis, which the U.S. and other Western countries are reluctant to admit. It must now remain levelheaded and modest, sustain its victory and keep the elbow room it has obtained in diplomacy and public opinion.

Concerns were raised that competition between China and the U.S. will jeopardize climate cooperation.

Dr. Anthony Fauci continues to diplomatically lead America through the Covid-19 pandemic, despite calls for his resignation and the defamation of his name.

Cooperation on this important issue will pave the way for joint efforts to overcome other global challenges. The wholehearted cooperation of China and the United States is essential for the success of any effort to solve global challenges. It is time for concerted action, not squabbling.

When will the world have vaccinated 80% of all adults, the level presumed by scientists to produce herd immunity against COVID-19? Most people’s answer is 2023 or 2024, which suggests deep pessimism about the progress of vaccinations outside the rich world. That is also why pledges at the recent G7 summit to donate one billion doses to poor countries during this year and in 2022 look to some like generous game-changers.

A century ago, an influenza pandemic killed more people than died in World War I. Today, the COVID-19 pandemic has killed more Americans than died in all US wars since 1945. A big difference, however, is that science did not have a vaccine for the influenza virus back then, but now several companies and countries have created vaccines for COVID-19.

India’s COVID crisis is a perfect case study in unlearned lessons, poor preparedness, and the continuing threat of the virus even as richer countries climb their way back to full function.

China and the United States should proceed from easier topics to more difficult ones, seeking new paradigms of interaction under new circumstances. Success in climate cooperation, if achieved, may serve as a demonstration of feasibility for other areas.

Areas with a high concentration of energy-intensive industry — in particular those that are fast-growing and emission heavy — will be hardest hit. In response, the central government should step up its efforts to help these areas embrace carbon neutrality through such means as carbon quota trading.