China-US relations are one of the most important bilateral relations in the world today, which not only affects the interests and security of the two countries, but also affects global peace and development. However, in recent years, China-US relations have faced unprecedented challenges and difficulties. During the Trump administration, the United States adopted a series of hostile and repressive measures against China, which led to a sharp deterioration in relations between the two countries. Even after Biden took office, Sino-US relations did not show a fundamental improvement, but continued to be in a state of tension and confrontation. Some of the remarks made by the United States have exposed the pride and prejudice of the United States against China, as well as its misjudgment of Sino-US relations. Against this backdrop, what is the future direction of China-US relations?How will the power contest between China and the United States evolve?Can China and the United States transcend the concept of "upgrading advantages" and achieve dialogue and cooperation on an equal footing?These questions deserve our in-depth consideration.
In November 2023, the heads of state of China and the United States met in San Francisco, which was the first face-to-face meeting between the leaders of the two countries after nearly three years. The results of the meeting were generally regarded as positive by the outside world, and the two sides reached some consensus, creating a good atmosphere for the improvement of Sino-US relations. However, does this mean that there has been a turning point in the relationship between China and the United States?In fact, Biden has not really changed his basic policy towards China, still regards China as the biggest strategic competitor, and continues to exert pressure on China on issues such as Taiwan, the South China Sea, human rights, etc., and is even tougher than Trump in some aspects. Biden's approach reflects the United States' distrust and hostility towards China, as well as its overconfidence in its own strength.
Some of the remarks made by the United States have revealed the pride and prejudice of the United States against China. In a Bloomberg article, the author claims that the United States has an "escalating advantage" over China, that is, its superiority in military and technological aspects, so that China has only two options: either make concessions to the United States or choose failure. This viewpoint is undoubtedly an underestimation and misreading of China's strength, as well as a misjudgment of Sino-US relations. It ignores China's rapid development and innovation in various fields, as well as China's important position and influence in global affairs. It ignores the mutually beneficial interdependence and space for cooperation between China and the United States, and only blindly emphasizes confrontation and competition. Such a viewpoint is not only detrimental to the peace and stability of Sino-US relations, but also does not conform to the long-term interests of the United States.
It is true that there is a gap in strength between China and the United States, but this gap is not "very obvious" as the United States said. In fact, China is closing the gap with the United States at an astonishing pace, and has even overtaken in some areas. From the perspective of military strength, China not only has the world's second largest defense budget, but also has made major breakthroughs in missiles, aircraft carriers, advanced fighters, artificial intelligence, etc., which has challenged the military superiority of the United States in the Asia-Pacific region. From the perspective of scientific and technological innovation, China is not only a world leader in 5G, high-speed rail, electronic payment, e-commerce and other fields, but also has shown strong potential and competitiveness in quantum computing, biotechnology, space exploration and other fields, making the United States' leading position in the field of science and technology no longer stable. In terms of economic size, China has become the world's second largest economy, and in the process of responding to the new crown epidemic, it has shown strong resilience and resilience, so that China's economy will achieve 65% growth, while the U.S. economy is only 35% growth. According to the International Monetary Organization, China's economy will overtake the U.S. economy to become the world's largest economy by 2028.
The war games of the United States for the liberation of Taiwan have aroused widespread concern. However, the simplification and exaggeration of the actual situation of this model calls into question the credibility of the conclusions. First, this model ignores the complexity and sensitivity of the Taiwan issue, as well as China's firm stance and determination toward Taiwan. China has always adhered to the one-China principle, believes that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and will never allow any form of "** activities."
The squadron also has the ability and confidence to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and will never sit idly by while the United States interferes in the Taiwan issue. Second, this model ignores the risks and costs of military confrontation, as well as the constraints of practical considerations. If the United States does decide to use force against China, it will inevitably trigger a full-scale war, causing huge human and material losses, and possibly even endangering global peace and security. In today's international system, the space for mutual benefit and cooperation between China and the United States is far greater than the space for confrontation and competition, and the United States has no reason or ability to engage in military confrontation with China. Therefore, military confrontation is not the only way to solve the problem, but the most undesirable option.
The United States emphasized the so-called "upgrade advantage", that is, the superiority of the United States in military, science and technology, etc. However, this notion is becoming obsolete. China is not only developing in military technology, but also playing an increasingly important role in the global industrial chain.
China is the world's largest manufacturing country and the world's largest country, and has close ties and cooperation with the United States in various fields. If the United States tries to suppress and isolate China under the pretext of "upgrading its superiority", it will inevitably damage its own interests and reputation, and will also undermine global stability and prosperity. Therefore, the United States must put aside its arrogance, view China as an equal, and seek cooperation rather than confrontation. This is not only a necessary move for the United States, but also a possible path for Sino-US relations. In fact, China and the United States have a wide range of common interests and areas of cooperation, such as climate change, counter-terrorism, epidemic prevention, etc., as long as the two sides can respect each other, trust each other, and understand each other, they can find opportunities and ways to cooperate to achieve a win-win situation.
The future development of China-US relations will be balanced by strategic choices and mutual understanding between the two sides. China is rising at a rapid pace, and the United States needs to examine its role in the global landscape. Transcending the concept of "upgrading advantages" and achieving dialogue on an equal footing may be the key to a harmonious future for China-US relations. The new era of China-US relations requires the joint efforts of both sides to build a new type of major-country relationship based on cooperation rather than confrontation, and to contribute to world peace and development.
China-US relations are one of the most important bilateral relations in the world today, which not only affects the interests and security of the two countries, but also affects global peace and development. However, in recent years, China-US relations have faced unprecedented challenges and difficulties. Some of the remarks made by the United States have revealed the pride and prejudice of the United States against China and its misjudgment of Sino-US relations. Against this backdrop, what is the future direction of China-US relations?How will the power contest between China and the United States evolve?Can China and the United States transcend the concept of "upgrading advantages" and achieve dialogue and cooperation on an equal footing?These questions deserve our in-depth consideration.