America and China have no choice but to engage each other and the nature of their future relationship might be uncertain and even difficult, but will inevitably be close. But while recent diplomatic and leadership moves have indicated that Xi Jinping wants to improve relations with Washington, skeptics warn against believing that the policy of the PRC has changed fundamentally.

The historic meeting between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping was short on resolutions, but gave promise for those hoping for a toned down approach to the bilateral tensions that have plagued the two nations since the middle of the 2010s.

This year’s G20 summit was haunted by the war in Ukraine, changing the complexion of nearly all interactions at the meeting. A sober assessment of the situation between Taiwan and China leaves much room for speculation about how an escalated conflict there might affect the world’s powers at large.

Despite tensions between the U.S. and China on the economic and political fronts, leaders from both countries found some common ground during their recent meeting in Bali. Presidents Biden and Xi have reiterated their commitment to work together to address transnational challenges, avoid conflict with each other, and maintain open communication.

Though Biden and Xi’s first face-to-face meeting since Biden’s presidential term began came with offers of civility and friendship, there remains much work to be done if the U.S.-China rivalry will be toned down within Biden’s first term.

The international landscape has changed dramatically over the past decade, with emerging economies and the intertwining of the interests around the world. The United States will find it difficult to continue on the path that it has pursued since World War II.

Improved China-U.S. relations are within reach. The conciliatory statements by the two presidents, Xi Jinping and Joe Biden, as they met face to face on the sidelines of the G20 summit carve out a foothold that can be strengthened and expanded.

The meeting of presidents Xi Jinping and Joe Biden in Bali may be the first step toward restoring normal bilateral ties between China and the United States. The leaders discussed their respective red lines and agreed to resume talks on several topics. But a trust deficit remains.

The warm smiles of presidents Xi Jinping and Joe Biden as they shook hands in Bali showed that the two countries are not intractable rivals. They may never be free of competition and struggle, but by using the meeting as a compass they can achieve good things for themselves and the world.

Since the 1970s, China and the United States have been able to carve out a strategic framework for collaboration, competition and cooperation. The result is that stability and growth have generally been guaranteed despite the periodic ups and downs. This needs to happen again.