U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s visit to China served as a reminder of the integral relationship that exists between the two countries. While the U.S. now says it merely seeks de-risking in its trade policies, it should be careful not to throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Confrontations between the U.S. and China are being amplified by a lack of communication between the military leaders of both sides, even as officials from other national bureaus continue to meet. Without proper means to defuse situations, the risk for escalation runs even higher.

Washington’s increased presence in the Asia-Pacific region, along with the polarization of America’s political system, are intensifying the challenge of reaching a breakthrough with China. And as tensions grow, particularly surrounding Taiwan, the U.S. must build on the momentum from Blinken’s visit and seek compromise with Beijing.

When Tony Blinken last visited Beijing in 2016, he was there together with a large, cross-departmental delegation attending a range of bilateral dialogues. Those were better days for China-U.S. relations. Back then, perhaps even Blinken himself might not have thought that this relationship would take a drastic turn and hit “the lowest point” when he visited Beijing again – after a hiatus of seven years.

Just as a pianist practises a new piece of music slowly, with attention to every phrase, keeping the first signs of goodwill between Washington and Beijing on track calls for a disciplined use of words. More educational exchanges and people-to-people interactions will also help improve understanding and dispel fear and suspicion.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s trip to China marked the first proper meeting between executive representatives from the U.S. and China since January’s balloon fiasco. Both countries are far away from signing into binding commitments with one another, but the summits alone provide a platform for communication to take place.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s long-delayed trip to Beijing has come and gone. Despite the predictable optimistic spin on the visit – both sides agreed to strengthen people-to-people exchanges and promised to continue talks – it did little to defuse the increasingly fraught conflict between the United States and China.

A single visit to China by the U.S. secretary of state will not change the trajectory of relations, and American officials have tried to lower expectations. The foremost test in the years to come will be the prevention of war, which many believe is unavoidable.

Antony Blinken’s visit to China will be a pivotal juncture in U.S.-China relations. The opportunity for both sides to start acting in good faith toward one another is precious and could change the trajectory of the near future.

Building a new type of major country relationship with the United States has been the consistent goal. Yet this cannot be achieved through the efforts of China alone. It requires both sides to pull in the same direction. Where relations go next depends on the strategic choices of both countries.