ASEAN nations are seeking clarity on who makes the best ally in the Indo-Pacific: China or the United States.

Escalating tensions between China and the United States will not benefit either. Instead, a party watching from the sidelines has the most to gain.

The Trump administration’s Indo-Pacific Vision is not an alternative to Chinese and other development initiatives in the Asia Pacific. It is a geopolitical play that is likely to benefit mainly advanced economies. What the Asia Pacific needs is a sustainable, long-term plan for accelerated economic development – not new geopolitical divisions.

Over the past few weeks, both the United States and China have been engaged in a high-velocity diplomatic campaign to effectively box each other out of Southeast Asia.

It’s not China’s fault that they’ve fallen out.

Recent events have suggested that the decades-old U.S. policy of accommodation toward China is giving way to greater pushback against Beijing’s advances. However, disproportionate pushback may inject instability into the world’s most important bilateral relationship. Demonstrating competent leadership by leaving room for a negotiated solution is crucial.

Wang Fan analyzes the current geopolitical situation and describes its effects on global security.

Despite increased tension and sociopolitical changes, China and the US must continue to find common ground for cooperation to promote peace and stability in a multipolar world.

How can China and the U.S. maintain satisfactory bilateral relations? Doug Bandow presents three ways the countries could begin to get their relationship right before more serious controversies arise.

Cold War benefits no one.