Sino-American relations

Sino-American relations refers to interstate relations between the United States and China. Most analysts have characterized present Sino-American relations as complex and multi-faceted, with the U.S. and the People's Republic of China (PRC) being neither allies nor enemies. At the same time, it is generally acknowledged that the nature of Sino-American relations will be a major factor in determining the state of the world in the 21st century.

Related Topics:
Interstate relations - United States - China - People's Republic of China

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Sino-American relations have generally been volatile especially after the fall of the Soviet Union, which removed a common enemy and ushered in a world characterized by American dominance. Many in the United States remain suspicious of Communist China and believe that its goal is to establish hegemony in East Asia and threaten U.S. interests. There are also grievances which relate to human rights in the People's Republic of China and the PRC's claims over Taiwan. For its part, there are suspicions in China that the United States wishes to keep China weak and divided, that the U.S. criticisms over human rights are unwarranted in light of the economic and living standard improvements that have occurred in mainland China, and that the United States' support for Republic of China (ROC) government on Taiwan, particularly with regard to weapons sales, is an unwarranted attempt to keep the PRC weak.

Related Topics:
Fall of the Soviet Union - Hegemony - East Asia - Human rights in the People's Republic of China - Claims over Taiwan - Mainland China - Republic of China

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While there are many irritants in Sino-American relations, there are also many stabilizing factors. The People's Republic of China and the United States are major trade partners and have common interests in the prevention and suppression of terrorism and in preventing nuclear proliferation. While the end of the Cold War removed a common enemy, the War on Terror has produced a new common enemy, which has greatly stabilized relations.

Related Topics:
Terrorism - Nuclear proliferation - Cold War - War on Terror

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In addition, while there is still a great deal of Chinese mistrust at American intentions, there is also the grudging realization that the United States will likely remain an unipolar global power for much of the early 21st century, and a direct challenge to the United States is likely beyond China's capability for several decades. There is also a realization that most of China's challenges and difficulties are internal, and therefore there is a desire on the part of China to maintain stable relations with the United States.

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