One of the clearest reasons for cautious stability in China-U.S. relations in 2026 lies in the trajectory of the preceding year. In many respects, 2025 marked a phase of resilience for China – one in which pressure was absorbed, expectations stabilized, and the terms of competition subtly shifted.

The first came during President Richard Nixon’s visit to China in 1972, when the United States abandoned its policy of containment and instead sought rapprochement with Beijing. This was an effort to work together against the threat of Soviet expansion,

The annual U.S. deficit with Mexico would be the United States’ largest for the first time were it not for the surge of U.S. imports from China in January.

America’s arms race over artificial intelligence with China is about more than technology and gaining economic advantage, say Wyoming lawmakers and

Effective pressure on Maduro requires US leadership with Latin American allies, regional energy investment, and humanitarian engagement—not confrontation alone. China and Russia have expressed support for Venezuela as the South American country confronts a complete blockade on sanctioned oil tankers going to and from Venezuela.

The report, produced each year by the Pentagon, warns Beijing is gearing up for conflict — potentially over Taiwan — within the next two years.

America’s story begins with people fleeing religious persecution. Its founders understood that without freedom of belief all other freedoms are hollow. That’s why, 250 years ago, they enshrined freedom of religion, and the separation of church and state, in the Constitution. It remains a foundation on which all our liberties rest.

Current political and economic issues succinctly explained. Sign up to receive CFR President Mike Froman’s analysis on the most important foreign policy story of the week, delivered to your inbox every Friday afternoon. Subscribe to The World This Week.

The Trump administration's 2025 National Security Strategy redefines global power dynamics, placing India at a critical juncture. The document emphasizes unilateral action and self-interest, urging India to contribute more to Indo-Pacific security through initiatives like the Quad,

From Deng Xiaoping to Xi Jinping, generations of Communist Party bosses and military leaders invested in a strategic but heavily polluting industry.

Current political and economic issues succinctly explained. Sign up to receive CFR President Mike Froman’s analysis on the most important foreign policy story of the week, delivered to your inbox every Friday afternoon. Subscribe to The World This Week.