It’s unlikely the U.S. and China can erase the tension in their geopolitical rivalry. But they can manage it. The current talks provide a key avenue.

US and Chinese officials meet this weekend in Geneva for their first formal talks aimed at resolving a gruelling tit-for-tat tariff war that threatens hundreds of billions in trade and roiled global markets and supply chains.

Since U.S. President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on China last month, Beijing has responded in kind. On state and social media, it posted images of Mao Zedong, lambasted "imperialists," and sent a message: capitulation to bullies is dangerous,