The third round of US-China trade talks were "productive," according to US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, although no clear resolution has been made to end the protracted trade war. The most recent trade talks, which concluded in Beijing this Friday, resulted in pledges to increase purchases of US goods, including $200 billion of US semiconductors over six years, but made questionable headway on 'structural issues' long contested by US lawmakers, which include "forced technology transfer, intellectual property rights, cyber theft, agriculture, services, non-tariff barriers, and currency," according to the White House.

Recent developments in the US-China relationship have influenced American perception towards China-- the fastest-growing economy in the world. Ultimately, the best defense against a rising China will be a rising and cooperative America.

Washington’s contested sanctions and tariff hikes, plus the Fed’s rate normalization, are putting the U.S. dollar at risk as a global reserve currency, while the internationalization of the Chinese yuan is fueling complementary globalization.

Following years of disputes and suspicion, China and ASEAN recently completed their first landmark maritime field training exercises. The fact that they took place is a testimony to the broader changes taking place in China’s relations with the ASEAN.

Highlights from Xi Jinping’s speech.

American clothing retail companies and consumers are preparing to feel the pain of Trump's latest round of tariffs. If the tit for tat tariffs continue, apparel and textiles will be placed even more squarely in the crosshairs. This could be a defining moment for American companies that have struggled to stay afloat amidst increasing competition from online clothing retailers.

The U.S. previously sought to constrain “China’s Rise,” but now may have to accept the country as an equal partner in solving the world’s greatest challenges.

China will be taking part in the 2018 Vostok war games with Russia.

The two countries are entering a phase of intense competition.

To his credit, President Trump was willing to help break the Korean deadlock. But the recent summit was a beginning, not the end. Washington needs to build a relationship with the Kim government, and that process will be smoother if the U.S. also improves its ties with Beijing.