Dynamics of American and Chinese Relations in the Era of Global Competition

Dynamics of American and Chinese Relations in the Era of Global Competition Relations between the United States and China have become an international spotlight, especially in the context of increasingly fierce global competition. In the last decade, these two countries have experienced tug-of-war in various aspects, from trade to technology, which has affected world geopolitical stability. One of the key factors in this relationship was the trade war that started in 2018, in which the US implemented high tariffs on Chinese goods to reduce the trade deficit. This action sparked retaliation from China, which also imposed tariffs on US products, creating economic tensions between the two countries. This trade war not only impacts each country’s economy, but also changes the global trade landscape by forcing other countries to take a position. The technological aspect is also a major arena in this competition. Companies such as China’s Huawei and ZTE have come face to face with restrictive measures from the US government that limit their access to critical markets and technologies. This policy reflects US concerns about national security and technological dominance. In addition, China’s rapid technological development, including in artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G, is a serious concern for the US, which is worried that it will be left behind in the global innovation race. Meanwhile, human rights issues also influence the dynamics of relations between the two countries. America criticizes China for its treatment of the Uighur minority in Xinjiang and its suppression of freedoms in Hong Kong. This criticism led to a strong reaction from China, which said that such intervention was a violation of sovereignty. This creates a deeper chasm in the desired negotiations and cooperation in the international arena. In addition to the challenges, there are also several areas of potential collaboration. The issue of climate change, for example, has opened up the possibility of dialogue between the US and China. Both countries are the largest carbon emitters in the world, so cooperation in reducing the impact of climate change can be a bridge to improve relations. The approval of the Paris agreement in 2015 shows an agreement to commit to environmental protection efforts. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated tensions between the two countries. The US has often criticized China regarding the transparency of information regarding the origins of the virus, which has further worsened China’s image in the eyes of the international public. China, on the other hand, seeks to show its solidarity with other countries through medical assistance, seeking to build a positive image on the global stage. Changes in political leadership also influence this relationship. The Biden administration emphasizes a multilateral approach in dealing with global issues, seeking to combine alliances with allied countries to confront challenges from China. Cooperation with countries such as Japan, Australia and India in the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) is a strategic step to counter China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region. With all these developments, the dynamics of relations between the United States and China in an era of global competition have become more complex. Challenges from economic, technological, human rights and global issues such as climate change are interrelated, making relations between these two countries very important for the development of world stability. Going forward, interactions between the US and China will continue to shape the direction of international policy and the global balance of power.