China’s rise cannot be prevented by an American government fearful of the United States losing its global dominance. But the no-holds-barred tactics adopted by the administration in Washington, and likely to continue no matter what the outcome of elections in November , make the process challenging, so policy modification is necessary. A focus on domestic growth rather than exports has given the impression that Beijing’s strategy involves isolating the nation. But that is far from the case, as President Xi Jinping indicated recently; an open-door approach remains as strong as ever. Xi reaffirmed a commitment for Beijing to work with all countries, regions, companies and investors at a recent symposium in Beijing. His pledge came as Chinese diplomats and officials are shoring up relations with governments and businesses to deter them from joining Washington’s push for a new Cold War with China. The approach, outlined in May and likely to be included in the 14th five-year plan next year, is known as “ dual circulation ”, and aims to offset external shocks and uncertainty. With the Covid-19 pandemic having rocked the global economy, the worsening trade, technology and ideological war with the US, and growing anti-Chinese sentiment in some parts of the world, it makes sense. Xi reaches out to ‘US states, local councils, businesses’ despite hostility Beijing has been boosting domestic consumption since the global financial crisis in 2008. China has quickly become one of the world’s leading consumer markets and it has one of the most complete supply chains. US hostility, particularly where technology is concerned, has drawn in American allies and raised the spectre of decoupling. The long successful model of driving economic growth through exports can no longer be relied on and self-sufficiency in vital areas of production are a necessary hedge against external threats. But China still needs the world for development and Chinese products and services are a vital engine for global recovery from Covid-19. While US President Donald Trump’s administration may not be open to Chinese technology and students and working with its scientists and researchers, that does not mean US states, local governments and companies are prevented from doing business with China. The Western states of California, Washington and Oregon have historic ties and Midwestern ones strong agricultural links. The phase one trade deal struck between Beijing and Washington that was reaffirmed in recent phone dialogue between the sides proves that relations may not be on the best footing, but there are aspects that cannot be severed no matter how hard hawks in Trump’s administration try. China’s growth relies on continuous opening up to the world, in particular the West. It is willing to reach out to all comers, even the US. But global circumstances mean that there is a need to adjust.