The crucial element in the current U.S.-China relationship is to correctly judge the intentions and goals of the other side, and thus communication becomes ever more important.
China and the US understand that the differences between them can no longer be avoided and they are also aware that the world, including themselves, will have to pay a hefty price if they break up.
While China and the U.S. are not getting along well and are in conflict over many issues, they still must find a space in which to mutually adapt and coexist.