Despite heightened tensions between China and the U.S., sub-national diplomacy remains a critical channel for fostering collaboration. However, rising security concerns in the U.S. and differing priorities in China pose challenges, underscoring the need for transparency, trust, and a focus on mutual interests to sustain these efforts.

One of Jimmy Carter’s biggest feats in the Oval Office was the establishment of relations between the U.S. and China, opening a door for a relationship that is one of the world’s most dynamic factors today. Though the current state of affairs is far from a best-case scenario, it’s worth looking back at the hopes Carter and his counterparts had when their momentous deal unfolded.

In an era of growing tensions between the United States and China, Roberta Lipson brings a valuable perspective shaped by decades of experience across the two cultures. As an American who has spent nearly half a century in Beijing building a network of 11 hospitals and 25 clinics, Lipson understands the complex interplay between business, healthcare, and international relations. In this conversation with KJ Kerr of China-US Focus on the sidelines of the U.S.-China Hong Kong Forum in November, she speaks about her remarkable journey and offers thoughtful analysis on the future of bilateral relations amid uncertain political times.

Donald Trump is likely to seek a fresh start when he returns to the White House, creating an opportunity to build a healthy and sustainable China-U.S. relationship. The world is big enough for the two major powers to grow and prosper together and avoid veering into a vicious tech rivalry — or even a new cold war.

To a large degree, the new agglomeration is the result of Washington’s “great power competition” strategy. While it looks a bit like the military-industrial complex of the Cold War era, it is truly a different entity, but it’s one whose long-term impact on China-U.S. ties must be understood.

China must see to its own domestic affairs and promote all-around socioeconomic progress. Externally, it must walk the path of peaceful development without wavering, adhere to an independent foreign policy of peace and hold fast to multilateralism to foster solidarity with other nations. Only in this way can we overcome the severe challenges that are coming our way.

During his first campaign for office, Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on China was dismissed by many as a rhetorical flourish, not serious policy. Today, his threat to impose a 60 percent tariff on Chinese goods or revoking China’s most favored nation status must be regarded as credible and actionable.

Jimmy Carter’s post-presidential legacy, defined by his decency and global service, positions him as perhaps the best ex-president in American history. And his pivotal role in U.S.-China relations, particularly in normalizing diplomatic ties, remains a key chapter in shaping the future of both nations.

The two major powers should go beyond their differences and work together to advance global industry and offer even greater joint contributions — finding new ways to secure a peaceful, mutually beneficial relationship.

As the impacts of climate change intensify, the U.S. and China must shift focus to adaptation, with opportunities for cooperation through subnational partnerships and a competitive model to assist vulnerable nations. This approach offers a path forward for both countries to lead global efforts in climate action.