The security dimension has long been the most contentious aspect of US-China relations, marked by strategic mistrust, great-power competition and several flashpoints in East Asia. Until recently, these tensions were moderated by much warmer and closer economic ties, civil society exchanges in business, education, academia, culture and tourism, as well as shared interests in globalization and trade. However, recent moves by the US and Chinese governments to “securitize” the previously cooperative aspects of their relationship have fundamentally altered this dynamic and greatly increased the likelihood of a permanent confrontation between the two great powers.
Autor: Pascal Abb
Dr. Pascal Abb is Senior Researcher at PRIF. His research is focused on Chinese conceptions of world orders, Chinese foreign policy, the Belt and Road Initiative, knowledge and governance, and Taiwan.
