A group of American youths visit Kuliang in Fuzhou city, Southeast China's Fujian Province, and learn about the century-old story of Kuliang, which used to be a hillside resort among foreign expatriates, on December 27, 2024. Photo: VCG

Editor's Note:

The US is capable of accurately understanding and engaging with China, its policies can be immune to the influences of extreme hawks and China-US relations can develop on a stable and healthy track - these are the shared aspirations of rational individuals from both countries regarding this most important bilateral relationship in the world. In the "Wisdom on China&US" series, the Global Times gathers the opinions of rational individuals from both the US and China to provide their perspectives on objectively viewing China and the right way for China and the US to coexist. 

This is the third article of the series.


In an era where geopolitical tensions between the US and China seem to be escalating, the voices advocating for constructive engagement are more crucial than ever. While some policymakers in Washington push for a hard-line approach, framing China as a strategic competitor, the reality is far more nuanced. The stakes of disengagement are high, and a downward spiral in China-US relations would take years, if not decades, to recover from.

At a time when global challenges require cooperation, there is much to gain from engagement and little to lose. That is why it is imperative for both sides to maintain open lines of communication, identify areas of mutual benefit and pursue pragmatic collaboration rather than risk costly decoupling.

The value of engagement: more to gain than to lose

The history of China-US relations has been marked by phases of conflict and cooperation. From adversarial encounters during the Korean and Vietnam Wars to the landmark normalization of relations in 1979, the two countries have demonstrated that engagement - when managed with vigilance and strategic foresight - can yield significant benefits.

Today, the choice is clear: The potential benefits of collaboration far outweigh the risks of confrontation. Whether in trade, education or technology, both countries stand to gain from working together rather than pulling apart. If the relationship continues to deteriorate unchecked, the road back to stability will be long and arduous. Understanding China in its full complexity is essential to making informed policy decisions. Without this understanding, the US risks making critical foreign policy mistakes that could have long-term consequences.

The key to engagement is a balanced approach - one that recognizes the competitive aspects of the relationship while also seizing mutually beneficial opportunities. Some areas may be off-limits due to national security concerns, but many remain open for collaboration. By developing a strategic road map, the US and China can identify "green-light" areas where cooperation is not only possible but beneficial, while being mindful of the "red-light" zones that require careful navigation. In between, "yellow-light" areas offer opportunities for cautious engagement, where mutual benefits can be explored.

The dangers of a hawkish approach

The rise of hawkish views within the US has significantly strained bilateral relations. Policymakers who advocate for complete decoupling often operate under the assumption that economic and technological disengagement will curb China's rise. This assumption is not only flawed but counterproductive. China is not waiting for permission from the US to advance. It is investing heavily in its own innovation ecosystem, forging new partnerships and expanding its influence globally.

Meanwhile, Washington itself is struggling to define its long-term strategy toward Beijing. There is a fundamental uncertainty about what the US ultimately wants from its relationship with China. Is the goal to contain China's rise? To manage competition responsibly? To find common ground on pressing global issues? This lack of clarity only fuels distrust, making productive dialogue all the more difficult.

If this adversarial approach continues unchecked, minor diplomatic or economic disputes could rapidly escalate into full-blown crises. That is why strong communication channels between Beijing and Washington must be maintained. When tensions arise, direct dialogue between leaders can prevent misunderstandings from spiraling out of control. Encouragingly, some of these communication channels appear to be back in place, providing a crucial safety net for the relationship.

Technology and education: untapped opportunities for collaboration

One of the most promising areas for constructive engagement is technology cooperation. When American and Chinese researchers collaborate, the potential for innovation is unparalleled. The synergy between the two countries' technological expertise has the potential to create exponential advancements - where 1+1 doesn't just equal 2, but 3.

Despite political tensions, scientific collaboration between China and the US has historically been one of the most productive in the world. Yet, recent policies restricting academic exchanges and joint research efforts threaten to undermine decades of progress. The sharp decline in student exchanges is a troubling trend, as educational ties have long been a bridge between the two nations. Young people who study and live in each other's countries gain invaluable cultural insights, build networks and lay the groundwork for future cooperation. A significant reduction in these exchanges only deepens the divide.

People-to-people diplomacy remains a powerful tool in mitigating geopolitical tensions. Beyond government interactions, cultural exchanges in music, art and literature continue to foster goodwill. The reality is that, despite political tensions, many Americans and Chinese still hold a basic affection for one another - a sentiment that should not be dismissed. The level of mistrust that exists at the government level does not necessarily extend to the people-to-people level, and it is in these personal connections that long-term understanding and cooperation can be built.

A future built on cooperation, not confrontation

The China-US relationship will define the geopolitical landscape of the 21st century. A path of disengagement and hostility will only lead to economic instability, technological fragmentation and a missed opportunity to address global challenges. A path of engagement, on the other hand, presents the possibility of a more stable and prosperous future for both nations and the world at large.

Neither side benefits from pushing the relationship toward a breaking point. A constructive approach requires strategic patience, pragmatic diplomacy and a recognition that competition and cooperation are not mutually exclusive. Rather than treating every issue as a zero-sum contest, the US and China must find ways to coexist productively, recognizing that their futures are inevitably intertwined.

There is still time to shift course. The window for meaningful engagement has not yet closed. The choice is clear: engagement is the only sensible path forward.

The author is a distinguished researcher at the Washington-based Institute for China America Studies. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn