Relations between the two powers have been frosty since last year, after the E.U. called China a "systemic rival".

A desirable prospect for future China-U.S. relations is that rational deliberations prevail and the two parties formulate a stable relationship of “coopetition.” Unfortunately, the current U.S. administration has little interest in moving in that direction.

China’s is increasing the pace of integration into the global economy through an innovative approach on the island province. Its many inducements, including entry to the mainland, are expected to attract investment.

There are many reasons to conclude that the downturn in relations between China and the United States is a temporary phenomenon.

While Xi Jinping leads China into an unprecedented era of economic expansion, President Trump blames China for American economic stagnation. Blame is neither a strategy nor a plan – but domestic investment is.

In June, Duterte made a dramatic policy about-face by suspending the VFA’s termination, which was supposed to take effect in August. He may have calculated that, in times of immense geopolitical uncertainty, he simply can’t afford an ugly strategic divorce with America, the Philippines’ sole treaty ally.

The future of China-U.S. relations depends on efforts from both sides. But China needs to do more to communicate that it does not see America in decline, nor does it want a new Cold War.

Yang Jiechi met with Mike Pompeo in search of a constructive relationship. The fact that such a meeting could take place signals that there’s some wiggle room, though not at the expense of China’s core interests.

China’s rivalry with the United States unavoidably spills over into surrounding regions. There can be little doubt, therefore, that stabilizing the regional order must be China’s top priority. Its diplomacy should be focused at the regional level.

Three directions are possible for a post-pandemic China that is reassessing its domestic and international goals. Whichever direction it chooses will have implications beyond its borders.