The world stands at a defining crossroads, where the choices of its two most consequential nations — the United States and China — will determine whether humanity advances toward greater stability or descends into deeper chaos. The recent meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Harvard University Professor Graham Allison at the Munich Security Conference offers a rare glimmer of hope in an otherwise turbulent geopolitical landscape.
Their dialogue, grounded in mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and the pursuit of win-win cooperation, underscores the urgent need for these two powers to recalibrate their relationship. The stakes transcend mere geopolitics or economics; they are existential for humanity. The world is vast enough for both nations to thrive, but only if they choose to serve as anchors of stability rather than sources of discord.
The new US administration under the bold and unconventional leadership of US President Donald Trump presents a unique opportunity to reset the fraught and often adversarial relationship between Washington and Beijing. This moment demands wisdom and pragmatism to prevail over ideological biases and deep-seated, irrational fears. Rather than perpetuating a dangerous cycle of trade wars, technological sanctions, and geopolitical mistrust, both nations must seize this juncture to prioritize cooperation over confrontation.
The current trajectory of US-China relations is deeply troubling. Diplomatic spats, public clashes, and undiplomatic rhetoric have become alarmingly frequent, while unilateral trade wars and military posturing drain resources that could be better allocated to addressing humanity’s most pressing challenges.
In conclusion, the US and China have a historic opportunity under the new Trump administration to boldly and pragmatically redefine their relationship and, in doing so, reshape the world for the better. The rise of this new administration offers a chance to break free from the vicious cycle of mistrust and conflict that has characterized recent years. By focusing on stability and cooperation, these two giants can become anchors of global progress, ensuring a safer, more prosperous future for all. The world is watching, and the time to act is now
The adversarial approach is not only counterproductive but dangerously shortsighted. The true threats facing humanity — climate change, nuclear proliferation, pandemics, poverty, conflicts, and transnational crime — demand collective action, not nihilistic divisive competition. Yet some US politicians and pundits have regrettably succumbed to the temptation of hyping the so-called “China threat”, echoing the racist and irrational “Yellow Peril” myths of the late 19th and early 20th centuries when ironically a then-economically and militarily weak China was victimized by colonial powers. This fearmongering is not only irrational and baseless but also perilously distracts from the real issues at hand. The peaceful rise of China is not an existential threat to the US; rather, the two nations share a common interest in addressing the grave challenges that endanger us all.
Climate change, for instance, does not respect borders. A warming planet will devastate economies, displace millions, and exacerbate conflicts worldwide. Similarly, the specter of nuclear war looms large, with the potential to annihilate civilizations. These are not problems that any one nation can solve alone. They require unprecedented levels of cooperation and coordination. The Munich meeting between Wang and Allison serves as a timely reminder of this reality.
Wang’s emphasis on injecting “certainty into the world” is a call to action for both nations to help foster global stability. Allison’s hope for effective US-China collaboration on issues like the Ukraine crisis highlights the potential for these two powers to lead by example.
However, the scope of cooperation must extend beyond immediate crises. The Middle East, for instance, remains a volatile complex region where US-China collaboration could help ease tensions. Whether it is the Israel-Gaza conflict, the Israel-Palestinian issue, or the complexities of Iran and Syria, a coordinated approach could pave the way for lasting peace.
Both nations possess unique leverage and resources that, if combined, could make a significant difference. Similarly, the economic benefits of cooperation are undeniable. The US and China are deeply intertwined, with trade and investment flows that benefit both nations. A return to the zero-sum thinking of trade wars would only harm businesses, workers and consumers on both sides, as well as the world economy. Instead, a focus on win-win solutions — such as joint efforts to combat climate change through green technology innovation — could unlock new avenues for growth and prosperity.
The world is irreversibly transitioning toward a multipolar order, where no single nation can dominate. This reality should be embraced, not feared. The US and China can coexist peacefully and prosperously, provided they base their relationship on mutual respect and shared goals. Friendship, not enmity, should be the guiding principle. By working together, they can address the world’s most pressing challenges and set an example for other nations to follow.
In conclusion, the US and China have a historic opportunity under the new Trump administration to boldly and pragmatically redefine their relationship and, in doing so, reshape the world for the better. The rise of this new administration offers a chance to break free from the vicious cycle of mistrust and conflict that has characterized recent years. By focusing on stability and cooperation, these two giants can become anchors of global progress, ensuring a safer, more prosperous future for all. The world is watching, and the time to act is now.
The author is an economics and politics analyst, an award-winning columnist for the Philippine Star and Abante newspapers, a book author, and moderator of the Pandesal Forum.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
