Tensions in the world across borders have been on the rise since the start of the Ukraine-Russia war. With the ongoing Palestine-Israel conflict, another potential war has emerged in the Taiwanese region, the US-China conflict.
While it may seem like a conflict, it is more than that. The US and China have been arch rivals since the very beginning of their first interaction. They have been in close contact of a potential war and tensions between both are escalating at an alarmingly fast pace.
US-China Conflict Explainer
The US and China have been in a complex relationship since the retreat of the government of China to Taiwan in 1949. Both world powers have close economic ties and are significantly intertwined. However, they also have a great power rivalry throughout the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and beyond.
Both nations share common interests across political, economic, and security realms. However, alongside these shared interests, persistent unresolved concerns persist between the US and China. Their relationship is intricate and deeply embedded. Since 1949, these longstanding rivals have faced intermittent tensions stemming from unresolved matters like trade, climate change, and notably, Taiwan.
Tussle Over Taiwan
Both the economic giants have been in tussle with each other over Taiwan for a long time now and have passed some comments over each other in recent times. Both the US and China’s ties have been becoming worse since Trump’s presidency and till date, it is getting worse.
Trump put some sanctions on China which include imposing tariffs on a wide range of Chinese goods and implementing trade restrictions. When Biden came to administration in January 2021, he further strengthened the impositions and restrictions on it. He went further and strengthened his ties with Taiwan, which was a great concern for China. On this, Xi Jinping said that U.S. support for Taiwan is like “playing with fire.”
The Recent Buildups
China’s defence minister recently delivered his first major speech since assuming the position, emphasising that a war with the United States would have catastrophic consequences for the world. The minister highlighted the importance of maintaining peace and stability in international relations, underlining that the prospect of a conflict between China and the U.S. would be an “unbearable disaster.”
On February 4 2023, an American fighter jet was observed flying near a suspected spy balloon off the coast of South Carolina. This incident suggests ongoing surveillance and monitoring activities, illustrating the continued vigilance and counterintelligence efforts of the United States in response to potential security threats.
In a recent incident, a video was released showing a Chinese ship manoeuvring in close proximity to an American vessel, crossing its path before eventually sailing alongside it in a parallel direction. This encounter showcases a tense moment between the naval forces of the two nations, highlighting the ongoing strategic competition and potential for maritime incidents in disputed regions.
The Future Of US-China Relations
These events and encounters underscore the complex and delicate nature of the US-China relationship, where tensions and potential flashpoints exist across various domains. Both countries remain engaged in a dynamic interaction characterised by competition, diplomatic manoeuvring, and efforts to safeguard their respective interests.
