By Michelle Lee - Hong Kong
Introduction
Sino-American relations have evolved through a complex history of conflict, collaboration and shifting power dynamics. This article uncovers defining moments during the past century, drawing parallels between historical patterns and developments. It also examines major agreements and disputes, as well as the pivotal events that have had a role in defining the relationship. Finally, this article aims to provide an overview of the history of Sino-American relations from the most objective perspective, including essential highlights that have influenced the trajectory of Sino-American relations.
1949-1971: Different Types of Flour, Different Types of Bread
In 1949, the Chinese Communist Party leader Mao Zedong (毛澤東) declared the establishment of the People’s Republic of China after defeating the Nationalist government of Chiang Kai-shek (蔣介石) in the Chinese Civil War (1945-1949) (Spence 480). The US government supported Chiang’s deportation from China, which traces back to World War II when the US backed the Nationalists against Japanese forces. America’s support for the Nationalists emphasizes the perpetual differences between US and Chinese Communist Party political ideologies, preventing these two nations’ objectives from ever successfully aligning: liberalism and conservatism (Kissinger 129).
In 1950, when the Korean War broke out, the US sided with South Korea, which had a left-wing political stance, while Mainland China supported North Korea, which shared communist governance ideals (Chang 212). Once again, this highlighted the opposing political stances, perhaps suggesting that disagreement was inevitable. In 1969, a Sino-Soviet border conflict occurred, though neither side officially acknowledged the military clash (Burr). This marked a turning point in Sino-American relations (Gaddis 176).
1971-1989: Re-activating the Yeast
In 1974, the US president Jimmy Carter granted China full diplomatic recognition, and the US acknowledged the ‘One China’ policy, whilst also having normal but unofficial relations with Taiwan (Nathan and Scobell 98). The ‘One China’ policy solely meant the US recognised the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the sole, legitimate government of China (Suettinger 142). In 1979, the congress passed the Taiwan Relations Act, with the act specifying that it was an additional recognition of the PRC government with an adherence to an unofficial relation with Taiwan (Roy 67). The US government stated that “Though the US doesn’t have diplomatic relations with Taiwan, we have a robust unofficial relationship” ("U.S. Relations with Taiwan"). Extending on the act, the US acknowledged Beijing’s perspective that Taiwan was a part of China without implying any agreement. China had no choice but to compromise by tolerating the unofficial relations occurring, despite its firm stand to have stable relations with the US. Meanwhile, Taiwan was unable to secure the American recognition it sought as a sovereign state. However, on a positive note, this marked a great step in terms of communication, and with Deng Xiaoping (鄧小平) contributing the ‘Open door policy,’ this opened doors to free trade and foreign investment into China (Kobayashi, Baobo, and Sano). The policy planted a seed for China’s huge economic growth for the next 20 years.
However, a dip in Sino-American relations occurred in 1989, following the incident that happened in Tiananmen Square (天安門廣場) (Kissinger 250). The West, including the US, believed that a massacre had occurred in the Tiananmen Square, with thousands of people including students sheltered to end a months-long demonstration led by students from different regions of the country. The demonstration was initially triggered by an honoured government official’s death, which prompted many to commemorate his contribution and reflect on the policies of the current government. The protesters requested a democratic reform in the government and called for an end to corruption. On the other hand, the Chinese government tried to assure the rest of the world that the event was a riot that needed to be cracked down. This incident strained China’s international relations - with the US being no exception (Nathan 230).
2000-2016: Baking of the Bread
In 2000, President Clinton signed the US-China Relations Act of 2000, allowing China to have normal trade relations with the US (Shirk 195). This act paved the way for China’s admission into the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001, significantly influencing China’s industrial development (Clinton).
In 2013, China launched the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI), a global infrastructure strategy designed to link East Asia and Europe through infrastructural projects (Rolland 22). However, drawbacks such as a persistent funding shortfall and criticisms over overpriced projects have hindered progress (Hillman 87).
Rapid economic growth in the past two decades has also been fueled by government subsidies in fields such as technology and renewable energy. In 2022, China allocated approximately 17.5% of its GDP to technological innovation (Lee and Smith 112).
2016-2023—PRESENT: Fights Between the Breads
At present, despite years of heightened tensions, there are signs of improving Sino-American relations. In November 2023, President Xi and President Biden met in the US to discuss key issues affecting both nations. A major outcome was an agreement to recover military communication, relieving some tension (CNBC News). In addition, China pledged to curb the flow of opioid fentanyl (a deadly drug, which has caused 70,000 deaths in America) into the US. Although this action won’t solve the overdose crisis in the US, it highlights a positive sign of communication and negotiation between the two nations. Many sensitive topics were also discussed in the meeting, such as sovereignty issues over Taiwan, south China sea disputes, and national security concerns which led to economic restraints such as sanctions of exporting technological products to China and many tariffs to Chinese imported goods ("Xi, Biden Talk"). The two presidents also discussed China's focus on domestic technology advancement such as Huawei and semiconductors, as well as recent military conflicts in the middle east (ABC News). ABC news wrote that “Biden stressed how the US and China want to find areas in which to cooperate while noting that major differences remain -- but a goal for both countries continues to be to avoid outright antagonism” (ABC News). This indicates a reassuring step forward towards cooperation between the two superpower nations. From CNBC news, Jake Colvin, president of the Washington, D.C-based National Foreign Trade Council said, “for US businesses the hope is that this kind of new tone can translate into a new normal for the economic relationship” (Colvin, Jake). This is also a sign for an increase in trade and investment between the two nations (ABC News).
This new turning point in Sino-American relations could bring a period of stability, halting high-tension points and encouraging cooperation between the two nations. However, history has demonstrated that this relationship is cyclical. At the centre of these fluctuations lies a fundamental divide in political ideology: liberalism versus conservatism. As President Biden acknowledged - the two nations are on completely different political grounds, yet both nations are actively striving towards common ground (Colvin). In various situations, diplomacy and negotiation often result in mutually beneficial outcomes. However, what happens when the difficulties are too complex to sort through together? The future of Sino-American relations may be dictated by how both nations decide to navigate challenging periods.
Food for Thought
During COVID-19, many incidents further contributed to the tensions within. For example, China's ‘zero-COVID’ policy shocked the west as the idea of human rights was undoubtedly absent, as well as the disrupted supply chain due to lockdowns. Taking COVID-19 as an example, what if COVID-19 did not end in 2-3 years but lingered for 5 years, or even 10, 20 years? Can broken and disconnected international relations, such as the Sino-American relationship, be rebuilt and recovered after 10-20 years of tension, miscommunication, and misunderstandings?
I leave this as food for thought, but this constant evolving relationship is fragile, and impacts all of us.
Bibliography
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