The volatile state of U.S.-China relations has only hindered progress towards ending the COVID-19 pandemic. There’s little question that if the two countries were to join forces, a safer world would be within reach.

China is standing up for poor countries in the global fight against the pandemic as the West turns away. Its role is essential if humanity wants to win. Disparaging Chinese vaccines will only prolong the agony and suffering of people in need.

The period of transition amid centennial changes is full of risks and crises. Great changes call for great wisdom and initiative. The world needs to be reevaluated. The path forward needs to be reconsidered.

Much has been said about Trump’s provocative methods in dealing with China, but the source of mistrust goes far beyond the outgoing President. Even as Biden takes office, the plethora of conflicts between the U.S. and China threaten to escalate the struggle between two global powers who vie for global influence.

The U.S. President-elect has articulated his approach to foreign policy — including China — and it deserves close scrutiny. Contrary to some experts, there are significant differences from Trump. The world should pay attention.

It has long advocated international multilateralism. Its recent decision to join the WHO’s vaccine implementation plan is the latest example of its willingness to cooperate for the good of mankind.

The world hopes to see reduced friction between the United States and China in the post-pandemic era. If the next U.S. administration can invest seriously in international cooperation, new paths for joining hands and lifting humanity will emerge.

As the United States repeatedly weighs in to block reasonable reforms and interfere with long-standing, consensus-based processes, China is on another track. It knows that reforms are needed and is working constructively to realize them.

New estimates on actual COVID-19 cases in 2020 highlight the stark differences between the Trump administration’s unilateral stance, and China’s multilateral approach to overcoming the pandemic challenge.

Questions have arisen with the pandemic about who is responsible for what. The answer is simple and clear: National governments are the primary providers of assistance to their citizens.