When the mere fact that two people have met over a videoconference — irrespective of the outcome of their conversation — is seen as a sign of progress, it is clear that they are not on the best of terms. At their virtual meeting last week, the president of the United States of America, Joe Biden, and the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, spoke warmly of each other, even though the relations between the world’s two biggest economies are as frosty as they have been in decades. Mr Biden and Mr Xi have met multiple times. Mr Biden recalled how the Chinese leader and he had always communicated with each other “very honestly and very candidly”. Mr Xi said he was happy to see his “old friend”. But friendships are built on trust, a sentiment that is entirely lacking in what is arguably the world’s most important bilateral relationship. Both presidents were blunt during their meeting. Mr Biden flagged concerns over human rights violations in Xinjiang and Tibet, Beijing’s crackdown in Hong Kong and China’s trade practices. Mr Xi warned the US against using Taiwan to contain China, describing that as “playing with fire”. There were no breakthroughs —most experts had not expected any.

Still, there are clear takeaways from the summit. Mr Biden recommitted the US to a One China policy — recognizing the mainland and not Taiwan as China — but maintained Washington’s traditional “strategic ambiguity” over whether it would defend Taipei in a war. He urged “guardrails” to prevent competition between the US and China from slipping into conflict. Mr Xi echoed that view, arguing for mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. Taken together with the efforts at underscoring their personal equation, the meeting suggests a return to a more predictable relationship between the superpowers than what was the case under the former president, Donald Trump. That does not guarantee peace, but it reduces the risk of a conflict because of a miscalculation by either side. A stable US-China relationship is in the interests of the world. There are lessons here for India too. As with their surprise climate change deal earlier this month, the summit between Mr Biden and Mr Xi underscores how the US will calibrate its relationship with China when it needs to, often without consulting friends. India must likewise seek a reset in its ties with China. The Asian neighbours need it, and no one else will do it for them.