The influence of the United States can be seen in virtually every move of countries in the region that have a stake. China needs to promote its role as an anchor of peace and stability.

The region is at a critical crossroads. At stake is whether it will see more peaceful development or move toward a new cold war. Strengthened cooperation is the best choice to overcome difficulties.

China and India have found themselves in one of the worst border clashes since 1962. The two neighbors ought to take serious steps to fundamentally change the relationship to ensure that border clashes do not happen again.

In 1962, American Ambassador John Kenneth Galbraith deftly diffused tensions between China and India to stop an escalating conflict. Sixty years later, diplomats would do well to heed his example in moderating Sino-Indian tensions.

The outbreak of the coronavirus has changed some fundamental things in the world order. Post-pandemic global governance will likely feature significant fragmentation. And it could unfold in a variety of ways.

Cooperative inspections by China and Vietnam have been effective in some ways. But they have not resolved basic problems, including overfishing. With the latest agreement expiring in June, it’s time to think in a holistic way.

The South China Sea has seen an uptick in maritime showdown in recent months. The upshot is a dangerous, multifaceted Cold War just when the world needs maximum cooperation against COVID-19.

While other parts of the world struggle to manage the pandemic, East Asian leaders show dexterity and forward-thinking in recent pandemic responses and partnership summits.

China has used the Covid-19 pandemic as an opportunity to invest in and bolster diplomatic relations with a number of countries. The American counter strategy pales in comparison, opening the door for a more powerful China in the post-Covid world order.

At a time when countries all over the world face the onslaught of a rapidly mounting health crisis, one thing is clear: Sino-American and Asian-regional cooperation is paramount.