The U.S. has a new strategy for dealing with China’s investments: Help countries negotiate better deals. That’s what we should be doing.

Since China launched its Belt and Road Initiative, the U.S. has struggled to find a coherent response. On its face, Beijing’s plan to support infrastructure projects around the world isn’t a problem. Developing countries stand to benefit from the funding, better trade links pave the way for more efficient trade, and opening new markets brings material benefits.