Beijing’s enthusiasm for engaging in high-level talks with the US government has waned, reflecting China’s perception of the Biden Administration as incompetent for its ignorance of Chinese culture and history and its excessive arrogance. Instead, China has already expressed great interest in the next presidential election, hoping for any leader other than Joe Biden. As serious communication between the two great powers continues to falter, talks about common ground in Taiwan seem increasingly unlikely. Even the recent US push for high-level diplomacy is viewed as an attempt to address allies’ fears of potential conflict due to the lack of communication, while also promoting a propaganda campaign depicting China as unreasonable. It is clear that both sides must analyze each other’s vital interests and learn what is unrealistic and what can be accomplished to mitigate any risks of war.

In a world dominated by the struggle between autocracy and democracy, it is also essential to reevaluate who is defending the status quo. In an ironic turn of events, while China seeks to become a “normal” state, a self-sufficient great power without a history of territorial expansion, the definition of “normal” is evolving. China adopts a multipolar diplomacy approach to maintain peaceful foreign relations, while the US is reverting to a unipolar fantasy by bolstering military alliances reminiscent of Cold War bloc politics. As interests and the status quo evolve, it is integral for both nations to realize what is feasible for any kind of diplomatic dialogue to be had. Only by doing this, can the Biden Administration reinstate itself as a nation ready for proper diplomatic talks in this Great power competition.

Read the full commentary in the South China Morning Post.