A “China Plan” would help, starting with consideration of the interests of the Syrians themselves, who have suffered mightily in the seemingly endless conflict. A solution imposed by outsiders won’t work.

First of all, it’s not clear that such a confrontation even exists. Science and engineering cooperation between China and the U.S. has been growing rapidly over the last two decades.

War often begins with security frictions. Taiwan and the South China Sea are powder kegs.

The strategic rivalry between China and the United States is growing. To avoid conflict, the two sides need set up a model of regional coexistence.

The DPRK must have security guarantees. Once the Pyongyang regime’s continuity is ensured, it can embark on a path to economic stability and growth, which in turn can ease its foreign policy.

While ASEAN countries remain reliant on the United States for defense, they don’t want to be part of any U.S.-led encirclement of China because they fear their interests could be harmed and their neutrality challenged.

The SAR provides a unique window for observing China’s development — a window that must not be allowed to close. But the responsibility for stability in Hong Kong goes beyond its police.

Since 9/11, domestic terrorism has been on the rise, supplemented by racial hatred and anti-Semitism. The Trump administration is heading in the wrong direction.

The DPRK and United States have dug in their heels, but a window of opportunity remains. Step-by-step reduction and verification agreed by both sides is the only realistic way to solve the problem over time.

The international community should exert its influence to re-establish and maintain minimal regional order. China, which enjoys considerable prestige in the region, could play a constructive role.