Simone Lawson
The relationship between the United States and China is one of the most consequential bilateral relationships in the world. Since the election of President Donald Trump, who promised an assertive stance towards China, the relationship between the two countries has deteriorated. Issues such as China's militarization of the South China Sea, alleged currency manipulation, and espionage activities have contributed to the tension. While some argue that American diplomacy with China is dead, others believe that common interests and cooperation in areas such as climate change and energy security are vital for both countries. As the global power structure shifts and technology accelerates change, the future of American diplomacy with China remains uncertain.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current state of American diplomacy with China | Some sources suggest that American diplomacy with China is dead, while others suggest that it is far from dead. |
| Reasons for death of diplomacy | The U.S. government is actively shunning diplomacy, and is instead stoking the escalatory cycle of strategic adversity. |
| Reasons for continued diplomacy | China and the U.S. should cooperate to tackle global challenges such as climate change, energy security, and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. |
| U.S. actions towards China | The U.S. has tried to use American companies to fulfil strategic goals in competition with China, and has restricted American companies from selling equipment to various Chinese companies linked to human rights abuses. |
| China's actions towards the U.S. | China has increasingly attempted to manipulate and subvert international organizations and standards-setting bodies, including the United Nations, to advance Chinese Communist Party (CCP) goals. |
| U.S. perception of China | China is a strategic competitor that presents a direct challenge to U.S. interests. |
| China's perception of the U.S. | China sees the U.S. as an imperialist power that has historically tried to humiliate and imperialize China. |
| Areas of cooperation | Chinese and American scientists have worked together on new technologies, such as medical breakthroughs and climate advances, which have had major positive impacts on American lives. |
Explore related products
$14.82 $33
$11.49 $19.99
What You'll Learn
The future of American diplomacy with China
The rise of China in a rapidly changing world presents a unique challenge for the United States, and many U.S. leaders have referred to the relationship as the most consequential bilateral relationship in the world. The future of American diplomacy with China will require strategic, patient, and firm coalition diplomacy to shape China's interests to converge with those of the United States and its allies. This will involve addressing issues such as China's unfair trade practices, human rights abuses, and cyber activity, while also finding areas of cooperation, such as responding to global challenges like climate change and energy security.
The United States has expressed its commitment to countering China's efforts to advance its military modernization and protect American citizens, businesses, and industries. However, the abandonment of diplomacy and the escalation of strategic adversity between the two countries could have long-term, negative consequences. Instead, the United States should focus on building coalitions, providing leadership, and setting a positive example to shape China's future and maximize the chances of success.
While China's future course is still uncertain, it is clear that the power of American influence will impact China, just as China's growing influence will impact America. The future of American diplomacy with China will depend on the ability of both countries to find common ground, cooperate, and shape each other's future in a way that serves their respective interests and promotes global stability.
International Diplomacy: iCivics Explains Global Relations
You may want to see also
China's manipulation of international organisations
One notable example is China's influence on the World Health Organization (WHO). During the initial stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, China successfully lobbied the WHO not to declare a public health emergency of international concern. Subsequently, the CCP blocked a WHO team from investigating the pandemic's source and China's response. This incident highlighted how China used its influence to delay critical research and avoid scrutiny of its handling of the outbreak.
China has also leveraged its economic power to gain influence within international organisations. Beijing has reportedly used predatory loans to gain support from other countries. For instance, Cameroon withdrew its candidate to head the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization after China canceled its debt, and Uganda received investment promises from China in exchange for their vote. Through these tactics, China has gained leadership positions in several UN agencies, including the UN Industrial Development Organization and the International Telecommunication Union.
In addition to economic coercion, China has been accused of blocking cooperation with Taiwan and excluding representatives of repressed minority groups, such as the Uyghur community, from UN meetings. China has also promoted its telecommunication firms, despite security risks to other countries. These actions have led to concerns about China's attempts to validate its authoritarian system and spread its influence through international organisations.
The United States has recognised the challenge posed by China's manipulation of international organisations. The US aims to deter Chinese aggression, combat unfair trade policies, counter malicious cyber activity, and promote accountability for human rights violations. However, the effectiveness of these efforts remains to be seen, and the complex dynamics between the two countries continue to evolve.
Companies' Political Campaign Support: Strategies and Secrets
You may want to see also
China's unfair trade practices and human rights abuses
China has been criticized for its unfair trade practices, which include trade in illicit goods, use of forced labor, and the theft of sensitive technologies. These practices have harmed the US economy and posed risks to national security. For instance, China's forced technology transfers and intellectual property theft have given them significant control over global production in critical sectors, creating unacceptable risks to American supply chains and economic security. In response, the Biden administration has increased tariffs on Chinese imports and taken steps to protect American businesses and workers.
Additionally, China has been accused of human rights abuses, particularly under the rule of Xi Jinping. The Chinese government has stifled criticism and dissent through pervasive online censorship and arbitrary arrests of government critics, human rights defenders, pro-democracy activists, and religious leaders. They have also been accused of ethnic repression in regions like Xinjiang and Tibet, as well as attempting to cover up potential crimes against humanity.
The US has recognized the need to balance the benefits and risks of its economic relationship with China. Federal agencies are working to protect the US economy and address unfair trade practices through enhanced data analysis, workforce planning, and export controls. However, some argue that democratic countries have failed to adequately curtail Xi Jinping's human rights abuses and transnational threats.
Despite the challenges, some argue that American influence can still shape China's future. Abandoning diplomacy and engaging in strategic adversity may not be the best approach. Instead, a renewal of strategic, patient, and firm coalition diplomacy is needed to maximize the chances of successfully influencing China's future in a way that aligns with American interests.
Diplomatic Foundations: Early France and its Legacy
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The role of the media in shaping American diplomacy
Media diplomacy has been employed in various historical events, such as during the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, when Henry Kissinger frequently provided senior American diplomatic journalists with background information, reports, and leaks designed to compel concessions from disputing parties. Similarly, during the Iranian hostage crisis in 1979-1981, the media served as the only open channel for the US to connect with the terrorists holding captives.
In the context of American diplomacy with China, the media has played a significant role in shaping public opinion and influencing government actions. For example, the media has often portrayed China in a negative light, highlighting issues such as China's militarization of the South China Sea, alleged manipulation of currency, and human rights abuses. This negative portrayal has influenced the American government's stance towards China, with the Trump administration labelling China a "strategic competitor" and initiating a trade war.
On the other hand, the media also played a pivotal role in the early stages of China-US relations. The 1971 "ping-pong diplomacy," which began with a friendly encounter between American and Chinese ping-pong athletes, opened the way for official visits and improved relations. The media's coverage of this event broke down barriers and smoothed the start of the trade partnership between the two countries.
However, it is important to recognize that the media can also be a double-edged sword. While it can facilitate communication and connection, it can also compromise national security by disclosing classified information. For example, organizations like WikiLeaks have publicized governmental documents, claiming to reveal the true nature of states to the world.
In conclusion, the media plays a crucial role in shaping American diplomacy with China and other countries. It serves as a tool for communication, negotiation, and influence, impacting both public opinion and government actions. While media diplomacy offers opportunities for cooperation and improved relations, it also presents challenges in maintaining operational security and managing sensitive information.
Becoming a Political Campaign Manager: Getting Started
You may want to see also
The impact of China's growing influence on America
China's growing influence across the globe has had a significant impact on the United States, challenging its strategic dominance and prompting a shift in the global power structure. China has surpassed the US as the largest trading partner with many countries in Latin America and Africa, investing heavily in key industries such as infrastructure, aerospace, and power, as well as new technologies. This has raised concerns in the US about its influence in what is traditionally considered its "backyard", with Florida being a particular focus.
China's Belt and Road Initiative has been a key driver of its increasing influence, with more than 20 Latin American and Caribbean nations involved in the project. Through this initiative, China has strengthened its diplomatic and economic ties with the region, leading to concerns that it may try to influence elections in the US. In response, Florida has passed legislation aimed at counteracting the influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the state, such as banning Chinese nationals without permanent residency from buying property.
The growing influence of China has also impacted the US technologically. China has pledged to become a world economic leader by 2025 and set global standards for the next generation of technologies through its "China Standards 2035" plan. This has prompted the US to focus on enhancing its leading edge in critical and emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, and investing in its industrial base to ensure a future rooted in trusted US and allied technology.
The rise of China has also had a significant impact on US diplomacy. Some argue that the US has abandoned diplomacy in favour of an escalatory cycle of strategic adversity, with the government actively shunning talking as a way of solving problems. This shift has been influenced by the media and the government's suspicion of diplomats, viewing them as out of touch with American interests. However, others argue that American diplomacy is not dead and that a renewal of strategic, patient, and firm coalition diplomacy is required to shape China's interests to converge with those of the US.
Overall, China's growing influence has had a significant impact on the United States, challenging its global dominance and prompting a shift in its strategic priorities and diplomatic approach. The US is now faced with the task of adapting to these changes and finding ways to maintain its influence and promote its interests in a world where China plays an increasingly prominent role.
Voter Registration: Campaigns' Secret Weapon?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, American diplomacy with China is not dead, but it has been described as being in a state of "hard times".
The US and China are currently in a period of strategic competition, with the US committed to countering China's military modernization, unfair trade practices, and human rights abuses.
Areas of conflict include technology, military, and economic issues. The US aims to protect its technological edge and counter China's bid for tech domination, while also addressing China's military modernization and unfair trade practices, such as the use of forced labor and state subsidies.
The Biden administration has placed a dirigiste style of industrial policy at the center of its strategy, with a focus on boosting domestic production and trying to stop China's technological advancements. They have also attempted to establish a network of allied and aligned countries as a counterbalance to China.
US-China relations have a long history, dating back to the 19th century when Western powers imperialized and humiliated China. The earliest major interaction was the 1845 Treaty of Wangxia, which laid the foundation for trade. Over time, there have been periods of cooperation and conflict, with the election of President Trump entrenching a sharp downturn in relations.
