Why the U.S. and China Need More Ping-Pong Diplomacy

Joe Biden (left) and Xi Jinping (right) as the then-vice presidents met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing in 2011.

Photographer: Getty Images

Diplomatic tensions are running high between the world’s two largest economies.

This week, the Biden administration accused hackers sponsored by China’s top spy agency of ransacking Microsoft’s email software systems, an allegation China angrily dismissed as a “smear.” Last week, the White House warned U.S. companies of the dangers of operating in Hong Kong. And the list of Chinese companies sanctioned by Washington is getting longer.

If only a ping-pong match could end this confrontation.