Zero-sum game cannot make US stronger

Perhaps Joe Biden is one of the US presidents who is facing the most difficult geopolitical situations: a severe Russia-Ukraine conflict, and Israel's ostensible and unrelenting action in Gaza, which has invited worldwide condemnation because of the sheer number of children killed and international laws violated. Through these actions, Europe and the United States have alienated the world and are standing alone with their agenda of self-interest.

The situation is no better at home either. Rivals have launched vociferous attacks against Biden's performance. Although the economy is doing relatively well, the international crises will impact the US soon. The US has been playing a less crucial role in international trade. Additionally, thanks to the protectionist measures it has adopted and the sanctions it has imposed on countries, the dollar's relevance as a global reserve currency has gradually reduced.

On the one side is Biden, who arrived in Israel, trying to convince his leading partner in the region to refrain from intensifying action against Gaza because of the US' economic interests in the Arab world and the pressures of international public opinion, which wants an end to the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. In addition, Biden received a snub in the form of cancellation of the meeting he was to have in Amman with Jordan, Egypt and the Palestinian Authority.

On the other side, in Beijing, surrounded by heads of state and government, President Xi Jinping — the adult in the room, as the Americans say — was celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, a global partnership with more than 150 countries and 30 international organizations, with billions of dollars committed to significant investments in infrastructure. Read that with other developments such as China's economy growing by 5.2 percent in the first three quarters of 2023. These two worlds are completely apart: while Beijing discussed economic development, Washington discussed wars and conflicts substantially.

Yet, instead of changing the course of the US policy to improve the situation, Western countries were building a wall to isolate China. This wall must be torn down immediately to alter the course of humanity. Repeating the Cold War would be a zero-sum game for the world and lead nowhere. The Western leadership should realize the high cost the world will pay for another Cold War. However, the West cannot make the necessary course correction. The European Union's domestic divisions have eroded its economic strength, particularly after the start of the conflict in Ukraine. How long the European Union will last is a million-dollar question.

The West has lost its ability to mediate conflicts. In contrast, by remaining strategically neutral, China has kept open channels with all interlocutors and has a unique capacity to address current global challenges.

In this troubled scenario, the meeting between the top leaders is historic. With Beijing's support, most of the world's crises may be eased. Additionally, long-term agreements with China, eliminating protectionism and former US president Donald Trump's trade war and abandoning the interventionist action in various regions of the world, could catapult Biden into history as the political leader who achieved the most effective cooperation agreement and engagement with China. Such actions will bury an inhospitable global climate that adds nothing to peace and prosperity.

Out of all sectors that need improvement, technological cooperation will enhance development, trade and growth. The world needs better technologies to address the challenges it faces like climate change, hunger, poverty, and decreasing life quality. Joint projects can catapult humanity into new levels of wealth and welfare.

Biden has a historical opportunity to change the course of a zero-sum game with China, which is not going to make the US stronger. Sun Tzu's counsel still holds: "Victory comes from finding opportunities in problems." Problems are abundant. Will it result in victory? It depends on the choices.

The author is a visiting professor at the China Foreign Affairs University and senior fellow at the Policy Center for the New South based in Morocco.

The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.

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