The Dragon and the Eagle Try to Get Along

The current relationship between the US and China is that of the world’s only superpower to a rapidly emerging rival. President Bush’s visit to Beijing this weekend revealed a cross section of potentially contentious issues and areas of possible cooperation. The major issues at play between the two countries can be classified as either security issues or issues of economic relationship. China’s military is growing prodigiously and its economic rise adds to fears about the impact of globalization on US industry and jobs. There is no imminent threat of conflict between the two, but the Chinese reaction to the US presence in Central Asia, and disagreement over the status of Taiwan show that conflict is possible. Economically, while there is a movement towards protectionism in the US Congress, and general discontent with the under-valued Yuan, it is not certain that China’s momentum will ultimately impact the US negatively. On a larger, ideological level, Bush feels China has opened the door to freedom with its economic reforms and that this door cannot be shut. But tactical disagreements between them could yet set the nations at odds. – YaleGlobal