Legislators in Washington should cease and desist in their political maneuverings on Taiwan. It’s only making things worse. Undermining the political credibility of the United States and damaging the interests of the American people is a dubious distinction indeed.

The Biden administration recently wrapped up two important state visits with President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea and President Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines. The meetings signify that Biden is on a trek to improve and affirm ties with key Indo-Pacific countries, but it must continue this trend if the U.S. wishes to remain relevant in the region.

It’s no hidden secret that U.S.-China relations have been on the rocks in recent memory. Though both sides are willing to go through the motions of performative summits, the reality of policy taking shape on both sides belies the aggression coming from leadership from both countries.

President Joe Biden has expressed optimism about the U.S.-China relationship. But regardless of whether his positive outlook is warranted, disengagement is “not the way out.” Washington and Beijing must find a new way to get along.

The summit did not alter the overall direction of the United States or its core group of allies. U.S.-led competition with China only entered a new phase. America’s objectives have not changed, although it now sees the need to make adjustments.

American hand-wringing over China’s socialist system as an alternative for human development has led to a lot of mud-slinging. The U.S. is struggling to maintain its global dominance and is now turning to institutional tools.

This needs to happen if the two great powers expect to reconcile. But it won’t be easy. The Biden administration has continued to damage China-U.S. relations, even as it asks China to be restrained. China may find it increasingly difficult to trust the United States.

The China-Central Asia summit demonstrates China’s more proactive diplomatic strategy regarding Central Asia. This is important now because the Russia-Ukraine war has left Russia with insufficient capacity to preserve order in Central Asia. Stability is the summit’s central aim.

Perhaps it’s a natural rebound after three years of COVID-19, but other factors may explain it better. Changes in the international order, a new emphasis on diplomatic autonomy, the need for cooperation with China and growing Chinese diplomatic influence are all having their effect.

The United States is playing a two-faced game: It says all the right peaceful words but then does things that undermine peace and understanding. The recent restart of high-level talks raises hope for renewed cooperation — and that should be welcomed even if it’s limited at first.