With incumbent US President Barack Obama beating his Republican challenger Mitt Romney to win a second term in the White House, the hullabaloo surrounding the presidential election in the United States finally drew to an end.

But the most expensive presidential election in US history has left a social and political divide in the country. If the wounds of political polarization cannot be mitigated, Obama will not be able to deliver on the promises he made during the presidential campaign.

While he could blame the global financial crisis and the mess left by his predecessor for the US' woes during his first term in office, he will not be able to do that now. He will have to redouble his efforts over the next four years if he is to fix the country's ailing economy, create more jobs and bring government spending down.

And as the leader of the world's sole superpower, Obama is facing formidable challenges on the international front as well.

He is expected to readjust the US' Middle East strategy, as the one that his administration has implemented since the Arab uprisings in 2010 is under attack at home and abroad.

He might want to reflect on his strategic rebalancing toward the Asia-Pacific as well. The US moves to boost its military presence and influence in the region have increased tensions and raised the temperature in the South China Sea disputes.

The US' strategic rebalancing has increasingly fueled concerns that Washington is seeking to contain China's rise instead of seeking to foster greater cooperation and collaboration. Although over the past four years ties between the two countries have been comparatively stable, in the run-up to his re-election the rifts over currency and trade have become increasingly salient.

Yet despite their differences on global and bilateral issues, the two governments have displayed more confidence in managing disputes. That should form the foundation for cooperation in the years to come. Despite all the rhetoric that he used to bash China in his presidential campaign, Obama needs to handle US relations with China in a more mature and rational way now he is ensconced in the White House.

After all, growing and healthy ties cater to the interests of both countries and to the rest of the world.

(China Daily 11/08/2012 page9)