US-China Tensions: Explained
In recent months, an increase in the number of disputes between the United States and China has resulted in a fractured relationship. Given the size of both countries’ economies and military prowess, any conflict would have global repercussions. Below is a review of the issues that have strained US-China relations.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has threatened to take Taiwan by force. Though Taiwan gained independence from China in 1949, China views Taiwan as its territory. Xi has prepared for war, stating, “The entire military must . . . concentrate all energy on fighting a war, direct all work toward warfare and speed up to build the ability to win.” There is no indication that a war between China and the US over Taiwan is imminent. However, if a war did occur, the global economy and many lives would be hanging in the balance. As tensions between Taiwan and China grow, Taiwan prepares its defense.
China aims to weaken the influence of the US by creating a partnership with Russia, believing that the only way to gain more global influence is by diminishing that of the US. US officials have warned that China will likely provide Russia with lethal aid. China strives to not be dependent on the Western powers as it advances its technology. The US has accused China of sending weapons to Russia to aid them in the Ukraine War. This is a result of President Vladimir Putin inviting President Xi to visit him.
China’s global influence is rapidly expanding. Saudi Arabia and Iran struck a diplomatic deal facilitated by China. The two Middle Eastern powers have long been rivals, so this came as a surprise to many. This agreement is viewed as an advance for Beijing and a loss for the US.
In the past month, the US shot down Chinese balloons and unidentified objects flying in the sky. There have been balloons and flying objects over Alaska, the Yukon Territory, Michigan, off the coast of South Carolina, and more. NORAD, the military command that keeps watch over the American and Canadian airspaces, has changed its radar system in hopes of detecting future spy balloons. Officials are unsure of what data the spy balloons are collecting. Beijing was unhappy with the US for shooting down its balloon and refuted the claims that it was a spy balloon, instead describing the balloon as a civilian device for meteorological purposes.
Some in the US government are concerned that TikTok, a social media platform, could be used by the Chinese government to collect American data or be used as propaganda. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew responded to these comments by explaining that all stored American data is completely controlled by American personnel. Furthermore, Chew emphasized that using the app for propaganda would be bad for business.
In recent months, the US has sought to engage less with China. The US government has limited access to technology with military applications, restricted exports, and received nuclear submarines from Australia. However, Americans’ interests are best served through peaceful competition with China. The US and China are struggling with many of the same problems (an aging population, income inequality, climate change, etc.). Collectively, these issues have created a situation in which each country is pointing fingers at the other. However, it is to the benefit of both countries that they cooperate and do not resolve the problems through conflict.
by MADELEINE HODGES