The dynamics of the relationship between the United States (US) and China are increasingly complex amidst global tensions. This relationship, which includes economic, political and military aspects, has a significant impact not only on the two countries but also on the world. In recent years, strategic competition has become prominent, resulting in a series of new policies affecting trade, technology, and security. Economic factors are the main driver of this tension. The US sees the trade deficit with China as a threat to its economy. To counter this, more protectionist trade policies were implemented, including high tariffs on Chinese goods. This led to a trade war, which worsened bilateral relations. On the other hand, China responded by developing its domestic market and establishing new partnerships with other countries to reduce dependence on the US. The technological aspect is also a main focus. Chinese initiatives such as “Made in China 2025” aim to make the country a global leader in high technology. The US, concerned about China’s technological dominance, is increasing controls on technology exports to protect innovation and national security. The seizure of companies like Huawei shows how seriously the US is taking this challenge. In a military context, tensions in the South China Sea are the main focus. With China building artificial islands and increasing its military presence, the US is strengthening its military presence in the region as part of its “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” policy. Events such as encounters between warships and warplanes demonstrate the ever-increasing risk of confrontation. Apart from that, human rights issues in Xinjiang and Hong Kong also fuel tensions. The US condemned China’s policies which it considered oppressive, while China retaliated by condemning outside interference in domestic affairs. Public diplomacy occurs through sanctions aimed at Chinese officials, adding to bilateral tensions. Amidst this pressure, there are also efforts to maintain dialogue. High-level meetings take place between officials of the two countries to discuss important issues, although the results are often unsatisfactory. Most meetings focus more on risk management than conflict resolution. US-China relations are also influenced by global factors such as climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. Both countries have the potential to work together to face this global challenge. However, tensions led to doubts in collaboration. Post-pandemic economic recovery and its impact on world supply chains is also a common concern, even though governments are blaming each other regarding the handling of the health crisis. In order to navigate the existing conflict, understanding the culture and history of the two countries is important. The US and China have strong national narratives, rooted in their respective experiences and visions. Existing tensions are often fueled by misunderstandings, where one party sees the other’s actions as a direct threat. In conclusion, the increasingly complicated dynamics of US-China relations shows that existing challenges require a more strategic and diplomatic approach. Understanding these key aspects can help in forecasting the future direction of relations and their impact on global stability.
