Today, the world is once again at a new crossroads between war and peace, polarization and coexistence, and decoupling and cooperation. As a scholar of Chinese descent who has long studied China–U.S. relations at think tanks in Washington, Li Cheng not only offers in-depth analysis of the current fractures within the United States—including political, economic, social, and diplomatic predicaments—but also examines China–U.S. relations in the context of fundamental changes in the global economic, political, and security landscape. He interprets the evolution of China–U.S. relations through the lens of epochal transformations.

From multiple levels and perspectives, this book corroborates and echoes the critical importance of expanding the points of intersection of interests between China and the United States amid a downturn in bilateral relations. It also specifically identifies sectors and groups with potential for breakthroughs. Among these efforts, special attention should be paid to scholars in China and the United States engaging in perspective-taking to “find commonalities.” Against the backdrop of the clamor in the West for “decoupling” and “severing supply chains,” China needs greater openness, more efforts to seek common ground while reserving differences, and an even more urgent search for new drivers of exchange and cooperation.

With an objective and comprehensive outlook, the book analyzes the complexity and challenges of China–U.S. relations. It not only focuses on political and economic disputes between the two countries, but also looks at social and cultural dimensions and the views of the younger generation, offering a deeper understanding of the relationship while providing new analytical frameworks and enlightening solutions. China–U.S. relations affect not only the interests of both countries, but also global peace and stability. Through dialogue, cooperation, and joint efforts, we can break the current impasse and create more opportunities and possibilities for the future of China–U.S. relations.

This book is included in the second installment of the “Understanding China” series launched by the China Institute for Innovation and Development Strategy, becoming another major work to help international friends understand China and tell China’s story.