The Sino-US ties, arguably one of the most consequential bilateral relations in the world today, have been put to the test as tensions over trade and security continue.

As the world's two largest economies, one advocates building “a community with a shared future for mankind” while the other shouts “America first.” Will one philosophy prevail in the contentious disputes? Or will the two superpowers find common ground and go back to the track of peaceful coexistence?

Bruce McConnell, global vice president at the EastWest Institute, pointed out that we share a future whether we like it or not. The question is: Can we share a peaceful future where we collaborate with mutual trust?

McConnell admitted that China and the US are in a period of difficult relations. He thinks it's critical for the two countries to get along and work together on issues including climate change, terrorism, migration, and diseases.

Speaking of which side to take the blame for the growing mistrust between the two nations, McConnell said there's a difference between putting the blame and taking responsibility.  Both sides need to take responsibility for their own actions.

“(China and the US) need to approach the relationship from a sense of humility and curiosity,” explained McConnell. “Unfortunately although, curiosity is a very American trait, humility not so much. Both sides need to recognize the cultural characteristics of the other and accept that and figure out ways to work together.”

On the one hand, the US has overreacted to China's rise, but on the other hand, it's time for China to increasingly take global responsibility.

He concluded that today we're playing a different game, a multilateral and multisector game where there are no longer just two major powers. There are many important powers and players from other sectors as well.

“We have to play in the 21st-century politics, not in the 20th century.”

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