Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday sent a congratulatory message to President-elect Joe Biden.

It’s no surprise that China-U.S. relations have had their ups and downs, as there are always differences between countries. But while all-around consensus may be elusive, they can always find some common ground. Opportunities abound.

The negative policy of the outgoing Republican administration toward China is a colossal failure. “America first” hasn’t worked for anyone, not even America. It is now up to the new administration of Joe Biden, to set things right.

It has long advocated international multilateralism. Its recent decision to join the WHO’s vaccine implementation plan is the latest example of its willingness to cooperate for the good of mankind.

While the European Union and United States share many intertwined interests, Trump has undermined the relationship. So, it will be difficult for the transatlantic alliance to go back to what it was, even with Biden as U.S. president.

APEC leaders met virtually to address the global fight against COVID-19 touting virtues of multilateralism.

Can China’s green initiatives and the Green New Deal in the United States work in harmony? With both countries committed to a transition to new energy, it is more important than ever for them to communicate.

There is good reason to believe that patching up relations in an estranged Europe will be a top priority for the incoming administration of Joe Biden. China needs to adapt intelligently, as the United States is likely to keep the pressure on.

Relations cannot return to the past, but the two countries can move forward to achieve a certain degree of balance. Giving up on the future will serve neither themselves nor the world.

As tensions flare, a new Biden administration would have to appoint skilled experts to liaise with China.