What drove the U.S.-China rapprochement was a common desire to counter the strategic expansionism of the Soviet Union. And the Taiwan issue has since remained a constant irritant in the Sino-American relationship.

China and the U.S. worked together for years to overcame obstacles to make China's accession to WTO possible in 2001, bringing huge benefits to both countries.

As China-U.S. relations deteriorate, communication and cooperation on energy and environmental issues have ground to a halt. Yet climate cooperation between the two largest polluters during the Paris climate conference in 2015 provides some lessons to be learned.

Despite intensifying acrimony, in the face of the most devastating economic crisis since the Great Depression, the two governments shelved differences, pursued cooperation, and led an international collective effort to stabilize the global financial system.

On the threshold of a new world order and a new China-U.S. reality, if we have not seen a clear path ahead for the bilateral ties, we might turn to history for some guide.

Instead of transactional trade agreements, Biden’s China policy seems to seek concrete change in Beijing’s behavior. With a transatlantic divide between the US and Europe, it might be difficult to sway certain European countries into siding with Washington over Beijing.

As the United States prepares for a radical course-correction on climate change, China is raising its game. Climate action has become yet another front in the competition between the world’s two largest economies. Who will cross the net-zero-emissions finish line first?

While pursuing cautious containment, the U.S. will want to avoid major military frictions. Biden may re-emphasize the role of military exchanges with China, which will create opportunities for military dialogue and exchanges at all levels.

While we wait for the Biden administration to transition into office, there are several steps Beijing should take to encourage a more productive relationship between the two governments.

The future of China-U.S. relations obviously depends on the two countries’ respective choices. The good news is that a window of opportunity is now open to create a new approach after years of turmoil driven by the Trump administration.