China–United States relations

The relationship began with early trade in the late 18th century, but formal ties were established with the Treaty of Wanghia in 1844, which granted the US most-favored-nation status. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the US participated in the Open Door Policy, aiming to preserve Chinese territorial integrity while expanding its own commercial interests. After World War II, the US supported the Nationalist government, but the Communist victory in 1949 led to a period of non-recognition and hostility, culminating in the Korean War and a long era of isolation.

Rapprochement came in the 1970s with President Nixon's historic visit to China in 1972, leading to the Shanghai Communiqué and eventual full diplomatic recognition in 1979. Since then, the relationship has fluctuated between cooperation and tension, shaped by events such as the Tiananmen Square crackdown in 1989, China's WTO accession in 2001, and the recent trade war and geopolitical competition.

Economic ties are a cornerstone of the relationship. The US is China's largest export market, and China is the US's largest trading partner (by goods). Bilateral trade in goods reached $758.4 billion in 2022, with a significant US trade deficit. This interdependence has created mutual vulnerabilities: US consumers benefit from low-cost goods, while Chinese manufacturers rely on US demand.

However, trade tensions have escalated since 2018, with tariffs imposed by both sides. The US has cited concerns over intellectual property theft, forced technology transfer, and unfair trade practices. The 2020 Phase One trade deal aimed to address some issues, but structural problems remain. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed supply chain dependencies, prompting both nations to seek diversification.

Strategic competition has intensified, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. The US maintains alliances with Japan, South Korea, and others, while China asserts claims in the South China Sea and increases military presence. The Taiwan issue remains the most sensitive flashpoint; the US adheres to its One-China policy but also provides defensive arms to Taiwan, leading to Chinese objections.

Cybersecurity and espionage are ongoing concerns, with mutual accusations of hacking and intellectual property theft. The US has also raised alarms about China's military buildup, including its nuclear arsenal and hypersonic weapons. In response, the US has strengthened its alliances and sought to engage China in dialogue to manage risks, but trust remains low.

Despite rivalry, the two countries cooperate on global issues. They are both signatories to the Paris Agreement on climate change, and in 2021 they issued a joint declaration on enhancing climate action. They also coordinate on non-proliferation, particularly regarding North Korea, and have worked together on public health initiatives, such as the response to Ebola.

However, cooperation is often hampered by differing values and interests. The US promotes democratic governance and human rights, while China emphasizes sovereignty and non-interference. In multilateral forums like the UN, they often clash over issues such as human rights in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. The COVID-19 pandemic also strained relations, with disputes over the virus's origin and transparency.

Beyond the headlines, the relationship includes lesser-known dimensions. For instance, the US and China have a long history of educational exchanges, with over 300,000 Chinese students studying in the US annually before the pandemic, fostering cultural ties. Also, the two countries have cooperated on scientific research, including in fields like astronomy and medicine, despite political tensions.

Another niche aspect is the role of subnational actors: US states and Chinese provinces engage in direct trade and investment, sometimes bypassing federal tensions. Additionally, the US has a significant Chinese-American community that influences policy and cultural exchange. The relationship also involves intelligence cooperation on issues like counterterrorism, though this is rarely publicized.

One-China policy

The principle that there is only one China, and Taiwan is part of it; the US acknowledges this but maintains unofficial relations with Taiwan.

Trade deficit

The amount by which the value of a country's imports exceeds the value of its exports; the US has a large trade deficit with China.

Indo-Pacific

A geopolitical region encompassing the Indian and Pacific Oceans, where US and Chinese interests increasingly compete.