American hawks will not be able to overturn the foundation of China-U.S. relations that was built in the Nixon era. But it takes two to tango, and success will not depend on China’s willingness alone.

There is no bilateral diplomatic relationship more consequential than the one between the United States and China, which affects not only the two countries but all of humanity. And now, the future of this relationship hinges on who will lead each country in the years ahead.

China’s steady hand seems to have won the respect of the Trump administration and encouraged it to stay on track with the phase one trade deal. The talks on Aug. 25 were a rare positive note in overall relations between the two nations.

The future of Sino-American ties will be determined by who wins in the upcoming U.S. Presidential elections. With only a few months left on the clock, the Trump administration will make great efforts to complete its unfinished business on China.

If polls are any indication, the U.S. president’s chances for re-election may appear dim as the race enters its final stage. But voters often do not reveal their true feelings in polls. What will it be like if he wins? Expect “America first” on steroids.

Arresting the slide in relations between China and the United States and then returning to normal cannot be achieved by the positive efforts of China alone. The presidential campaign complicates matters for the U.S., but it needs to participate regardless who is elected.

The phase one trade deal between China and the United States got a new lease on life, at least temporarily, by an online dialogue of senior officials. Now, action is needed on both sides to prevent a new meltdown.

The future of U.S.-China relations remains uncertain, and the upcoming U.S. Presidential elections have the opportunity to fray relations further. Between territorial disputes and cyberwarfare, there are a range of issues on which the two nations must set parameters in order to maintain peace and stability.

A host of reasons suggest that there will be no turn for the better in China-U.S. relations, regardless who wins the White House in November. If China’s restraint is perceived as a sign of weakness, the U.S. might adopt risker policies that will force Beijing into a head-on collision.