China’s economic influence, diplomatic connections and commitment to multilateral solutions makes it a potentially transformative force for peace.

In an era where climate change, food and energy security and poverty top the agenda, military-focused alliances are not fit for purpose.

From the easing of visas to a more international curriculum, China’s universities and wider society can do more to make US students feel at home.

Recent high-level talks between China and the US on climate change and ongoing wars highlight the potential for successful collaboration. The current moment calls for even more bilateral coordination on the environment, peacekeeping, AI governance and reforming multilateral institutions.

The narrative around Chinese overcapacity sounds similar to that during the global financial crisis when, as a result of its massive stimulus package, China became the world’s largest exporter amid weak demand. Today, China’s green capacity should be viewed within the broader framework of climate change cooperation.

China finds itself in need of its latest landmark reform as the urban-rural divide keeps growing and the broader economy is seeking new sources of growth. One possible solution is finding better uses for rural land and giving farmers the same legal rights as urban residents to rent, transfer or mortgage their land.

Enrolment numbers of Americans in Chinese universities are historically low amid strained bilateral relations. China should get creative with policies to attract students and young professionals from the US and around the world.

As the world loses faith in the ability of other major players to come up with a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, China can and should leverage its lack of historical baggage in the region and its economic clout to play a more constructive role in facilitating a peaceful outcome.

Amid Sino-US competition, China and Europe can keep the world on a multipolar keel by cooperating in four crucial domains.

Amid increased geopolitical strife, our interconnected world requires a collaborative approach on global warming, wars, infrastructure, public health, trade, and more, to safeguard our shared home.

Rise of the Global South brings opportunities for South-South cooperation but also risks of infighting and confrontation. China must boost dialogue and cooperation, ties with India and Brics’ influence.

Antony Blinken’s successful visit to Beijing has opened a window of opportunity to establish a more constructive and harmonious US-China relationship. Four principles from relationship therapy could be adapted to geopolitics and help the two sides forge stronger, more stable ties.

Recent earnings reports from Alibaba, Baidu and Tencent show optimism in an improved regulatory environment and a recovering Chinese economy. The achievements of Chinese tech companies in international markets showcase their entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to globalisation.

Both powers should restore cultural exchanges, academic ties, governmental dialogue and boost travel. Collaboration on shared challenges from pandemics to climate change will only increase their influence.

With Congress playing a bigger role than ever in the US-China relationship, it is important for Beijing to restart face-to-face interaction with US delegations. Engaging with US lawmakers will not be easy or without risk, but it is surely a greater risk not to engage with an increasingly hands-on Congress.

US lawmakers pushing for a ban should first clear up misunderstanding about the relevant Chinese laws and policy. Beijing’s Global Initiative on Data Security, in particular, clearly states respect for how other countries handle data, and could be the framework for work to bolster confidence in China’s data handling.

The signs are there: a pro-business cabinet, a big welcome for foreign investment and a big push for diplomacy, connectivity and sustainability. For many international companies, China will still be a major growth driver this year.

Suspicious of Beijing’s motives, the West has dismissed the plan for having no actionable solutions. But with leverage over Moscow and skin in the game, there is no other country better placed to mediate

Taking on autocratic powers has given the West a new-found sense of purpose, but it risks alienating those countries more concerned about economic struggle and the climate crisis.

Despite tensions over the South China Sea, the recent talks between Xi and Marcos shows Beijing’s readiness to woo Southeast Asia with trade deals. The meeting provides a model for strengthening ties and resolving disputes with other Asean members.

The lifting of Covid-19 restrictions means the resumption of international business, the revival of tourism and consumer spending, and the return of cultural exchanges. These benefits far outweigh any short-term disruptions or risks to the global economy.

With a lack of Chinese voices to balance the narrative, anti-China rhetoric has gradually permeated Western-dominated digital spaces. China must venture out of its own digital ecosystem and into the global online sphere to offer a fresh perspective.

China’s tech and trade offers dovetail nicely with Gulf ambitions to deepen ties with Asia in search of a cleaner, greener future.

The return of face-to-face meetings, the motivating effect of our grave global challenges and the moderating influence of ‘middle power’ multipolarisation all point to a revival of global cooperation.

The German chancellor’s short visit with a business delegation has broken important ground when Germany, like the rest of Europe, faces recession. German firms’ commitment to China suggests that, despite the talk of decoupling, the real momentum is towards more engagement with China.

China-US collaboration in research and innovation will be critical to addressing climate change, pandemics and other challenges that no country can handle alone. It is difficult to square the national security strategy’s avowed commitment to global cooperation on shared threats with its overriding emphasis on geopolitical competition, particularly with China.

With a clear victor on the battlefield unlikely, the best hope to end the bloodshed is a negotiated settlement, difficult as it might seem. China’s balancing act affords Beijing the necessary degree of influence and impartiality to help meditate a way out of the Ukraine crisis.

With the US-China rivalry intensifying, countries that economically or militarily depend on both powers are in increasingly difficult positions. China can better pursue its interests with these countries by increasing face-to-face interactions and strengthening human relations.

The EU is in a position to play a mediating role between the US and China, with all three coming to the table for regular high-level dialogue. Such a platform could start with urgent but non-contentious issues – global food security, climate change and infrastructure development.

US-China exchanges fell off a cliff amid tensions and the pandemic, but American policymakers, academics and business leaders still want to better understand China. Academic and cultural exchanges must be revived as soon as possible; cooperation is vital to address global crises.