A look at the new U.S. president’s actions in the early going of his administration offers many clues — and leaves some blind spots — about policy stances in a wide range of areas, including China. His choices for top cabinet-level positions and other senior leadership posts may be telling.

U.S.-China relations have transformed throughout the past four years. Experts continue to ruminate on how rivalry and competition can be overcome to rebuild trust and cooperation.

President Biden recently gave his first speech on foreign policy after assuming office. While his speech focused more on competition with China, both China and the U.S. must establish ways to cooperate in order to co-exist.

In India, the United States finds a South Asian partner that shares grievances with China. However, by viewing India only on the plane of conflict with China, the U.S. lacks a long-term path toward building a productive relationship with the world’s second most populous nation.

The early Biden administration’s buzzword is “strategic competition” when it comes to China. Yet, with a litany of domestic problems at hand, true diplomacy may be sidelined, or worse, sacrificed to retain a positive outlook for Joe Biden’s domestic agenda.

While some anticipated a “reset” of U.S.-China relations with the new Biden administration, this does not seem to be the case. Early signs reveal considerable continuity with the previous Trump administration, although some changes in tactics can be anticipated.

The Biden administration is attempting to merge some domestic priorities with foreign relations, which should create some room for cooperation. The pandemic, economic recovery and climate change are good places to start.

A fresh face at the table may be just what the U.S.-China relationship needs. With Joe Biden officially in the Oval Office, the work is cut out for the new administration.

By relying on a foreign policy rooted in pragmaticism and innovation, Biden can strengthen alliances and cooperate with a Europe that is increasingly more divided.

If the U.S. president, under pressure, makes a hybrid of the Trump and Obama legacies, intensified strategic competition in China-U.S. relations is likely and the risk of confrontation will continue to rise.