Dynamics of Relations between China and the US amidst Global Tensions

The dynamics of relations between China and the United States (US) are experiencing a complex phase amidst increasing global tensions. Strategic competition in the economic, technological and military fields is the main driver of this dynamic. With both countries being the largest economic powers in the world, their respective policies and decisions have a global impact. The level of economic dependence between the US and China is very high. In 2022, total trade between the two countries will reach more than $600 billion. However, tensions arose from a tariff war that began in 2018, in which the US imposed tariffs on imported goods from China, which it considered unfair. Beijing responded to this action by implementing retaliatory tariffs, creating uncertainty in global markets. The technology sector is the main front of this competition. Chinese initiatives such as “Made in China 2025” aim to make the country a leader in advanced technology. The US, in an effort to maintain technological dominance, limits the access of Chinese companies, such as Huawei, to US technology and markets, citing national security concerns. This step resulted in a technological race filled with protectionist policies. On the military side, tensions are rising in the South China Sea, where the US supports the claims of its allies and opposes China’s territorial claims which it considers aggressive. Joint military exercises by the US and Southeast Asian countries have further worsened relations with Beijing. Under the Biden administration, the ‘return to Asia’ strategy shows the US’s commitment to countering China’s influence in the region. Each country is also trying to gain influence in international forums such as the United Nations and the G20. China’s diplomacy in the BRI (Belt and Road Initiative) strengthens its position in developing countries, while the US is trying to counter this influence by offering investment alternatives. Mass media plays an important role in shaping public opinion in both countries, where negative reports further exacerbate tensions. The protest movement and information traffic regarding human rights violations in Xinjiang and the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic have become sensitive issues that affect the image of the two countries in the eyes of the world. Finally, despite rising tensions, dialogue between high-ranking officials from the two countries continued. Diplomatic meetings attempt to create channels of communication to manage disputes, but the results are often unsatisfactory. In the long term, the stability of this relationship will depend heavily on the ability of both parties to compromise amidst their respective conflicting national interests. Overall, the dynamics of relations between China and the US are an illustration of the challenges in facing current global complexity and uncertainty. With a focus on economic, technological and military aspects, each step taken could have major implications not only for the two countries, but also for the entire world.