In the wake of the Cultural Revolution, China was faced with the problem of diplomatic relations. The People’s Republic of China chose to completely sever diplomatic ties and start anew, and to lean to the side of the Soviet Union in the Cold War. Additionally, the Republic of China fled to Taiwan, leaving the issue of whether or not it is a part of China, a question that plagues China until today. For many years, China did not have relations with the US, but Richard Nixon made a diplomatic visit to Beijing in 1972, which was a turning point for future diplomacy. Ever since the meeting, the United States and China have grown closer diplomatically and economically, but a source of friction between the two is foreign policy in terms of economy. China has a completely different government than the US, and since they have the largest economies in the world, they shape the global economy and any trade that happens. There are many issues on which China and the US have differing opinions, like the South China Sea. Mainly, America is worried that as China’s power grows, that they will eventually threaten the US. However, China currently wants a symbiotic relationship. Since the US controls global currency, China wants to work with the US so that they will treat them as equals. Intrinsically in Chinese history is the belief that China is the Middle Kingdom, and that other countries are inferior. In a US-dominated world, this belief is challenged, and it has led to resentment among Chinese people of US imperialism. Finally, China relies on foreign countries, mainly the US, for natural resources. The other major issue in current Chinese foreign policy is Taiwan, and whether or not to recognize it as an independent nation. China says that Taiwan is a part of China, whereas new generations in Taiwan disagree. Previously the conflict was which government is legitimate, but now that China has the aspects of a global superpower, Taiwanese people want recognition. As China has emerged as a world power, they extend their influence throughout the world. The US is wary of their control of the world economy, and the effects they may have not only in Asia but on the global stage. The world has been waiting for a new China, reborn, now it has come.
謝謝,
-Jack Ransick, Kira Kessel, and Emma Wall
謝謝,
-Jack Ransick, Kira Kessel, and Emma Wall