U.S.-China Relations: How Shared Interests Faded Amid Rising Tensions

U.S.-China Relations: A Lost Era of Shared Interests A new book, "Chinese Encounters with America," highlights the optimism that once defined bilateral relations between the United States and China. The edited volume profiles 12 Chinese individuals who played a significant role in fostering cultural and scientific exchanges between the two nations. The book's release coincides with a time when U.S.-China relations have deteriorated significantly, marked by increased tensions over trade, security, and human rights issues. According to the book's editor, Vincent Ni, "the tone of their bilateral relations has fundamentally shifted" since 2000. One notable story featured in the book is that of Xie Xide, a renowned Chinese scientist who received an American flag from the U.S. Congress in March 2000 as a gesture of appreciation for his contributions to cultural and scientific exchanges between the two countries. This kind of exchange was once common but has become rare in recent years. The profiles in "Chinese Encounters with America" showcase the positive aspects of U.S.-China engagement, which began in earnest after diplomatic relations were established in 1979. The accounts range from academics to environmental activists and highlight the shared interests that brought the two nations together. "We had a sense of optimism and possibility," said Ni, reflecting on the era of cooperation between the United States and China. "We thought we could learn from each other and work together to address global challenges." However, as the book's profiles demonstrate, this optimism has given way to increased tensions and competition between the two nations. The implications of this shift are far-reaching, with many experts warning that a loss of shared interests could have significant consequences for global stability. The U.S.-China rivalry has been described by some as a "great power rivalry," with both nations vying for influence in key regions such as Asia and Africa. The competition is not limited to economic or military spheres but also extends to areas such as technology, education, and culture. As the world grapples with the complexities of U.S.-China relations, experts are urging policymakers to revisit the shared interests that once defined bilateral engagement. "We need to find ways to work together again," said Ni. "The alternative is a future marked by increased competition and potentially even conflict." In recent years, there have been efforts to revive cultural exchanges between the United States and China. For example, in 2020, the U.S.-China Cultural Exchange Program was launched to promote people-to-people diplomacy and exchange. However, much work remains to be done to restore the optimism that once defined U.S.-China relations. As Ni's book reminds us, the shared interests that brought the two nations together are still there, waiting to be rediscovered. Background: Diplomatic relations between the United States and China were established in 1979. The book "Chinese Encounters with America" profiles 12 Chinese individuals who played a significant role in fostering cultural and scientific exchanges between the two nations. U.S.-China relations have deteriorated significantly since 2000, marked by increased tensions over trade, security, and human rights issues. Additional Perspectives: Experts warn that a loss of shared interests could have significant consequences for global stability. The U.S.-China rivalry has been described as a "great power rivalry," with both nations vying for influence in key regions such as Asia and Africa. Current Status and Next Developments: Efforts are underway to revive cultural exchanges between the United States and China, including the launch of the U.S.-China Cultural Exchange Program in 2020. Policymakers are urged to revisit the shared interests that once defined bilateral engagement and find ways to work together again. *Reporting by Npr.*