Communities and countries continue to struggle in the current pandemic. But can we anticipate a new solidarity with a new American leadership — and a renewed dynamic in U.S. relations with China?

In this explainer, we look at the world’s two largest economies and their shared interests in a shifting multilateral landscape. And we also take a deep dive into their individual milestones, in a year when the People’s Republic of China marks 50 years since its entry to the United Nations.