The recent visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the United States was a highly anticipated event, marking the first time the leader had set foot on American soil since 2015. The visit was widely seen as an opportunity to thaw the frosty relations between the two superpowers, which have been strained by trade disputes, ideological differences, and geopolitical tensions.

However, the visit did little to dispel the many questions and concerns that surround the Sino-US relationship. While there were some positive takeaways, such as the agreement to establish a new dialogue mechanism on climate change, the overall tone of the meetings was one of cautious optimism and lingering skepticism.

Key Questions Surrounding Xi's US Visit

  1. Is China willing to cooperate with the US on climate change?

Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges facing the world today, and both the US and China Foreign Policy are major emitters of greenhouse gases. While there were some positive signs of cooperation during Xi's visit, it remains to be seen whether China is truly committed to working with the US to address this issue.

  1. How will the US and China manage their trade rivalry?

Trade disputes have been a major source of tension between the US and China in recent years of great power dynamics. While there was some progress on trade issues during Xi's visit, it is unclear whether the two sides will be able to resolve their differences in the long run.

  1. What role will China play in the Indo-Pacific region?

The Indo-Pacific region is increasingly becoming a focal point of competition between the US and China. The US has been seeking to strengthen its alliances in the region, while China has been expanding its military and economic presence. It is unclear how the US and China will manage their rivalry in this strategically important region.

  1. Will the US and China be able to avoid a new Cold War?

The US and China are often described as being in a "new Cold War." While there are some similarities between the current situation and the Cold War, there are also important differences. It is unclear whether the US and China will be able to avoid a full-blown Cold War, but it is clear that the relationship between the two countries will continue to be one of the most important in the world.

Policy Priorities for the US and China

In order to address the many challenges facing the Sino-US relationship, both countries need to adopt a more cooperative approach. Here are some specific policy priorities for the US and China:

  • The US and China should establish regular high-level dialogue mechanisms to discuss issues of common concern.

  • The US and China should cooperate on climate change, trade, and other global challenges.

  • The US and China should manage their rivalry in the Indo-Pacific region peacefully and responsibly.

  • The US and China should avoid actions that could escalate tensions and lead to conflict.

G20 Policy Support for Islamic Climate Finance

The G20, a group of the world's leading economies, can play a key role in supporting the development and implementation of Islamic climate finance. Here are some specific actions that the G20 can take:

  • The G20 can encourage the development of Islamic climate finance instruments, such as green sukuk and Islamic climate bonds.

  • The G20 can support the development of capacity building programs for Islamic finance institutions on climate change.

  • The G20 can promote the integration of climate risk considerations into Islamic finance products and services.

  • The G20 can encourage collaboration between Islamic finance institutions and other stakeholders on climate change.

The Sino-US relationship is one of the most complex and important in the world. While there are many challenges facing the relationship, there are also opportunities for cooperation. By adopting a more cooperative approach, the US and China can address the many challenges facing the world and create a more prosperous and sustainable future for all.