Dynamics of Sino-American Tensions in a New Era

Dynamics of Sino-American Tensions in the New Era Tensions between China and the United States have been in the global spotlight for the past few decades, and the situation has become increasingly complicated in the new era. Geopolitical, economic and technological competition is the main driver in relations between these two countries. One of the focal points of this tension is the issue of trade. The trade war that began in 2018 created high tariffs on Chinese goods and triggered significant impacts for both economies. Despite initial agreements to reduce tensions, restrictive trade policies and ongoing disputes continue. Technological aspects also play an important role in this dynamic. The rollout of 5G by companies like Huawei in China is raising concerns in the US about national security. This led to a crackdown by the US government against Chinese technology companies, limiting their access to advanced technology. Additionally, US efforts to form a coalition with global allies to curb China’s influence in digital technology further deepens this shift. Human rights issues in Xinjiang and Tibet have also become hot spots in tensions. The US has consistently criticized the treatment of the Uighur minority and claimed that China committed serious violations. In response, China defended its policy as a measure to counter extremism and protect national stability. This debate not only highlights the ideological gap between the two countries but also its impact on diplomatic relations. In a military context, the development of China’s armed forces is a serious concern for the US. China has carried out significant modernization in various defense sectors, such as the navy and missile systems. In this case, US policy focusing on the “Indo-Pacific strategy” aims to strengthen its military presence in the region and support its allies, such as Japan and Australia, to counter the perceived threat from China. In addition, challenges have recently emerged in global cooperation, especially regarding climate issues. Although both are the largest emitters, differences in the two countries’ approaches to climate change could hamper collective global efforts. Involvement in international forums such as COP26 will be an important moment to test whether cooperation can be maintained even though bilateral relations are deteriorating. The communication strategy between the two parties is also worth paying attention to. Public diplomacy and the use of social media have become new means of influencing public opinion. In China, state-run media seeks to express narratives supporting the government’s position, while the US faces challenges in explaining its decisions to domestic and international citizens. In facing this increasingly complex situation, international observers estimate that the two countries need to undergo deeper negotiations to achieve better stability. The ability to dialogue, even in a tense atmosphere, will be key for both countries to avoid a new cold war that could have a major impact on the global economy and security.