Growing tensions between China and the U.S. are nothing new, but the consequences of geopolitical exclusivity continue to compound. No country wants to be forced to choose between the first and second largest economy in the world.

America’s wounds are wholly self-inflicted, and it has only itself to blame. Many betrayals have been committed over the last two decades, including some against its own allies, undermining their trust.

Though the climate of international relations makes it feel like conflict could erupt at any minute, the complex ties and reliance the two nations have on each other make it an even messier affair.

While Beijing has used Washington’s troop withdrawal out of Afghanistan to their advantage, the aftermath might put the U.S. in a better standing on the geopolitical stage.

Maintaining the old zero-sum mentality against China, the United States starts with its own interests in mind, rather than the needs of the island nations. Its diplomatic and military focus will not contribute to development and will ultimately fail.

The future of the anti-terror campaign in Afghanistan rests both on the Taliban’s own endeavors and the support of the international community. If the lessons of the 20-year campaign against terror can be learned, there is reason to hope.

After moves by France, Germany and the Netherlands, the introduction of the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific should come as no surprised. Two questions emerge: Is this new version of the strategy a follow-up to the United States or an independent strategic consideration? And how should China respond?

An abundance of examples show that countries in Southeast Asia want to develop beneficial relationships with both the U.S. and China. Thus, the U.S. hedge against China in the region is doomed to fail, despite the best efforts of visiting American officials.

Russia’s influence once stretched from the edge of Western Europe to the battlefields of Vietnam. Surpassed economically by the West and China, Russian foreign policy sees opportunity in Southeast Asia to restore its global reach.

The world should thank Joe Biden for being straight about the aim of the America’s intervention in Afghanistan. It’s yet another wake-up call that reveals the truth about America’s approach to foreign policy. Uncle Sam will always be for himself.