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Gibson Nyikadzino, Herald Correspondent

The biggest global issue that is etched in everyone’s mind, among many other issues, is the complex state of US-China relations and the challenges ahead.

Giving insights into this matter, buckle up, because we are about to dive deep into the nuances of this global dance.

Last week US National Security advisor, Jake Sullivan, made a trip to China, and it was not just for the dumplings.

This visit sent a signal to the world that, even though the US and China are in fierce competition, keeping things stable and dialoguing is still important.

The trip was not some dramatic plot twist, but it did bring a breath of fresh air to a pretty tense situation. The fact is, in the big picture of strategic competition, managing this relationship without any major missteps is the real challenge for our future leaders.

Whether Kamala Harris or Donald Trump take the wheel at the White House, they need to get it through their heads that butting heads and brawling will not do anyone any good. Engaging with China, even in the midst of competition, is the smart way to keep America’s interests safe.

At least four essentials need to be understood from this visit. Firstly, the China strategy is set, but the Taiwan issue needs a gentle touch. The Joe Biden administration has been pretty much locked in on “strategic competition” with China.

This is all about keeping the US on top globally while making sure this competition does not spin out of control.

Sullivan’s trip was all about reinforcing this strategy, making sure there are not any big swerves in the last few months of US President Biden’s term. However, in this case, competition will not solve everything, especially when it comes to Taiwan.

China sees Taiwan as a red line that is not up for debate, and the US has its own thing going on with regional stability and supporting “democratic values”. Therefore, whoever ends up in the White House between Harris and Trump, need to understand and respect this reality.

Any impulsive moves on Taiwan could lead to some serious trouble, not just for US-China relations, but for the US itself. Instead of taking unnecessary risks, it is better to talk it out with China and find a stable, peaceful path forward.

Secondly, competition is the main tune, but cooperation is still in the mix.

Even though US-China relations are all about competition, when it comes to global issues like the economy, climate change and public health, cooperation is still key.

During Sullivan’s visit, the US and China reaffirmed the potential for cooperation in these areas.

As the world’s biggest economies and carbon emitters, the US and China teaming up is crucial for tackling global challenges.

On the economic front, despite trade wars and sanctions, China is still a major market for American businesses.

Western leaders need to realise that keeping up cooperation in these areas is not just good for the US but it contributes to global stability too.

Instead of going it alone and risking isolation, there is need to find ways to cooperate amidst competition and face global challenges together.

Leaders should not let short-sighted politics tie their hands, instead they should use cooperation within competition to gain the most benefits.

Also, as President Biden’s term winds down, key high-level contacts are being activated to potentially seize the final opportunities in his last lap.

It is becoming evident that chances for high-level meetings are getting slimmer.

The meeting that Sullivan had with President Xi Jinping was setting the tone for current relations and pave the way for the future.

For the Biden administration, time is running out, except that it is getting international attention only at the UN General Assembly in New York; G20 and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summits in Brazil and Peru, respectively.

If these meetings are missed, future US leaders will have to deal with an even more complex US-China relationship environment.

Whoever ends up in office should seriously consider how to effectively navigate future US-China relations.

Keeping the lines of dialogue open and avoiding strategic misjudgements will not only help manage competition between the two countries but also lay a solid foundation for future policymakers.

Instead of constantly testing the limits of US-China relations through confrontation, there is need to ensure stability in competition through high-level meetings and concrete actions.

Lastly, the future of US-China relations will continue to find balance between competition and cooperation. Both sides recognise that managing competition to avoid conflict while pursuing their respective national interests is crucial.

However, this does not mean that the two sides have to be at odds on every issue.

On the contrary, finding the balance of cooperation amidst competition will be key to the future of US-China relations.

For future US leaders, finding paths to cooperate within competition will be a significant challenge.

Managing US-China relations is not only about America’s interests but also about global peace and stability.

Instead of maintaining short-term interests through confrontation and isolation, it is essential to build long-term strategic advantages through cooperation and communication.

The road ahead is full of challenges, but wise leadership, cool heads and seizing opportunities for cooperation will determine America’s place and influence in this complex world.