Prudence and pragmatism should guide China’s approach in the wake of initial talks that featured some hard-nosed rhetoric. Whether the meeting kick-starts new China-U.S. engagement or only serves to maintain — or even heighten — tensions remain to be seen.

The negativity of China-U.S. talks in Alaska risks a further downward spiral and an unhealthy new normal. But it’s an improvement over the Trump era. If the parties keep expectations low and maintain mutual respect, they should be able to replace their free-falling relationship with a more stable one.

The primary takeaways involve China’s military spending, development pattern and approach to relations with the United States. Both countries know that only by dealing with domestic issues will they be able to maximize their international role.

Australia is an outlier - its geography makes it a Pacific power, yet culturally, it is a part of the West. Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is poised to give a nuanced perspective on the rise of China - but will global leaders follow suit?

When China’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, recently called for a reset of bilateral relations with the United States, a White House spokesperson replied that the US saw the relationship as one of strong competition that required a position of strength. It is clear that President Joe Biden’s administration is not simply reversing Trump’s policies.

Confrontation can come from lack of understanding and a difference of emphasis. At bottom, the Chinese want to set up principles before trying to resolve specific problems, while the Americans are eager to address specifics before improving the relationship.

A conversation between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden on Feb. 11 offered hope of a healthy, renewed relationship built on patterns established over many decades. The two countries have always found a way to move forward, despite occasional setbacks.

In light of various domestic pressures on both sides, neither China nor the U.S. has much room for compromise on a number of issues. Benign interaction won’t be achieved overnight. But, with care, it may yet be possible to repeat the “minuet” described by Henry Kissinger.

Easy as this may seem, patience has profound overtones. On the surface, the White House says it will take time to reset China policy. In truth, this indicates how tricky it is for America to handle the relationship. A tipping point is approaching, but leaders on both sides provide reason for cautious optimism.

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.