The passing of former US president Jimmy Carter at the age of 100 closes a chapter in American history that is replete with diplomatic nuance and foresight. As we reflect on Carter’s tenure from 1977 to 1981 — a period that reshaped the geopolitical landscape — it becomes evident that the wisdom underpinning his approach to US-China relations has enduring relevance.

Carter’s presidency was marred by domestic challenges, leading to waning approval ratings upon his departure from the White House. However, his post-presidential humanitarian efforts, culminating in a Nobel Peace Prize, have since cast his legacy in a more favorable light. Among his achievements, the pragmatic establishment of full diplomatic ties with China in January 1979 stands out as a testament to his visionary diplomacy.

Despite facing formidable resistance from the US Congress, Carter welcomed Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping to the White House, a bold move that catalyzed the normalization of relations initiated by former-president Richard Nixon’s historic 1972 visit to China. This period is often referred to as a “golden era” for Sino-American ties, a time when both nations engaged in a productive exchange of embassies, culture, science and commerce.

In recent statements, Chinese President Xi Jinping, along with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning, recognized Carter’s instrumental role in fostering a relationship that significantly shaped the international order. Carter himself, in a 2018 interview with The Washington Post, expressed pride in this achievement and advocated for a balanced approach to China, one that could collaboratively address global challenges.

Despite not visiting China during his presidency, Carter’s numerous visits thereafter underscored his commitment to nurturing this bilateral relationship, earning him the title of “China’s Good Friend” in the country’s media. This sentiment resonates with the perspective I presented in Kissinger’s Approach To China-US Relations Should Be Followed (China Daily Hong Kong Edition, Dec 5, 2023).

However, the landscape of US-China relations has shifted in recent years. The trade war instigated by the Trump administration, characterized by protectionism and a departure from multilateralism, has inflicted economic damage and job losses not only in both countries but globally. The Biden administration has not significantly altered this trajectory.

Next year will likely witness a new trade war started by Washington, which, to me, would be a wrong approach to US-China relations. Indeed, trade-related tensions would not only harm both China and the US, but it would harm third parties. New tariffs and a potential trade war could bring the world economy to be marked by uncertainty — anathema to all businesspeople and investors.

The prospect of a renewed trade war under a re-elected Trump looms large, threatening further instability. Yet, there is hope for a return to the cooperative spirit embodied by Henry Kissinger, Nixon and Carter. Recent developments, such as Trump’s call for a pause on TikTok’s ban or sale, suggest a potential for negotiation and reconciliation.

In a world where competition in technology and economic dominance is inevitable, adopting a framework of managed economic competition, crisis-management, sustained trade, limited technology restrictions, and cooperation on shared global threats is crucial. This is not a landscape to be navigated through tariffs but through strategic negotiation and healthy competition.

In conclusion, the path forward for US-China relations should not mirror the tumultuous days of Trump’s first term but rather seek inspiration from the diplomatic strides made by Nixon and Carter. In an increasingly interconnected global environment, cooperation between the world’s two largest economies is not just beneficial — it is imperative for global stability and prosperity. As the world confronts myriad challenges, the path of collaboration laid out by these historical figures is more vital than ever — not just for the US and China, but for the entire international community.

The author is a fintech adviser, a researcher and a former business analyst for a Hong Kong publicly listed company.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.