Engaging with China would serve US better
Even if the outcome of the bargaining in the soon-to-be-resumed trade talks between the United States and China produces a long-awaited deal, it is unlikely to correct the course of their overall relations, which has shown increasing signs of deteriorating lately. Unless the latest trade war cease-fire agreed by Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump in Osaka, is taken as an opportunity to reboot their relationship.
Over trade, human rights, Hong Kong - indeed on an ever lengthening list of issues - Washington's confrontational approach to Beijing has become increasingly apparent.
To quite a few in Washington's decision-making circles, an "increasingly assertive", Beijing is abusing its newfound confidence and flexing its economic muscles, and this is the last chance for Washington to clamp down on it.
