Local and subnational governments play an indispensable role in maintaining healthy relations between the United States and China. By proactively engaging and empowering them, the incoming administration can achieve positive results.

Instead of transactional trade agreements, Biden’s China policy seems to seek concrete change in Beijing’s behavior. With a transatlantic divide between the US and Europe, it might be difficult to sway certain European countries into siding with Washington over Beijing.

A new U.S. policy will emerge in the South China Sea, but only slowly. After his inauguration Biden will pick up where Obama left off, but adding new strategic wrinkles as the U.S. enlists other countries to play its game.

Relations have sunk to a new low as Australia mirrors the attitude of the United States toward China. A policy released in July makes clear that Australia intends to assist the U.S. in its efforts, meaning that conflicts between China and Australia will be long-term and strategic.

The resumption of talks between China and the United States should be characterized by efficiency and high quality. After many negative twists and turns in recent years, the relationship will eventually find a new model that has not been seen before.

American foreign policy tends to oscillate between inward and outward orientations. President George W. Bush was an interventionist; his successor, Barack Obama, less so. And Donald Trump was mostly non-interventionist. What should we expect from Joe Biden?

With the conclusion of the U.S. election, China-U.S. relations has come to another crossroads, facing risks and challenges as well as new opportunities.

The common development and interdependence that both countries have cultivated over the years is actually a kind of positive energy and good fortune for the world.

U.S. strategic goals – and the corresponding means of implementing them – will differ considerably under the Biden administration. With Biden’s stated position of willingness to use military force to protect American interests, he may present a challenge to world peace.

The incoming Biden administration has every incentive to repair relations with China, but the biggest obstacle, more so than Trump’s actions or public opinion, may be Biden’s own election cycle rhetoric.