As the president-elect makes bold statements and takes symbolic actions relevant to US-Sino relations, perhaps a bit of folklore suggests how to think about wise policy actions.

China-US relations have reached a new historic juncture, which is characterized by new dynamics in the interactions between the two countries at a strategic level. The result is a new configuration of China-US relations that will be stable if the US can set aside its eagerness to be dominant across the globe.

In Europe, Asia, and South America, preferences for either Clinton or Trump differ based on the candidates’ views on trade, the economy, and foreign policy doctrine. Though Clinton is the preferred candidate in most areas, whoever the next U.S. president is will face significant challenges on several continents.

Ted Galen Carpenter discusses the tensions between the U.S., China, and other Asian nations involved in the South China Sea dispute. The U.S. military policy and support initiatives regarding the Philippines, South Korea, and Vietnam are outlined, and Carpenter explains the negative effect this may have with Chinese relations. While the regional activity does appear to be balancing behavior, it also indicates that littoral states are uneasy of Beijing’ conduct in the South China Seas.

Evolving circumstances mean that new approaches are essential to maintain the momentum that ties between the two countries have enjoyed for 30 years. If Beijing and Washington can chart a new course forward and institute workable frameworks, then the relationship may well be on track to scale new heights.

Washington’s efforts to strengthen bilateral security alliances with East Asia and Pacific nations give credence to China’s suspicions of a containment policy directed against China’s growing economic and military capabilities. However, China may be looking to Latin America to offset U.S. attempts for primacy in Asia.

President Obama said at a news conference on Monday in the Vietnamese capital that the United States had agreed to lift completely its embargo on lethal weapons sales.

The US strategy ignores the legitimate desire of most countries for peace and development and upsets the natural balance in the region. If Washington insists on playing the role of “regional balancer” under a misguided Cold War mentality, it would achieve nothing but create imbalance and walk right into the “hegemon’s trap” despite repeated historical lessons.

Lucio Blanco Pitlo III compares China's One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative with the U.S.'s Rebalance to Asia, ultimately advising that for the U.S. to be seen as not reacting to China's growing regional influence, it would need a better appreciation of the security needs, growing aspirations, and economic demands of rising powers.

The view of mainstream Americans about China is the key to formulating any US grand strategy toward Beijing. Today, while some domestic politics has negative effects, we need more dialogues to enhance transparency and control third-party factors with prudent management and precaution.