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Foreword: A Retrospective and Prospective View in a World of Great Changes
As a scholar who has extensively studied Sino-U.S. relations in Washington-based think tanks, I have observed a worrying trend in recent years. There has been a noticeable rise in distrust, anxiety, and apprehension toward Beijing within the Washington establishment. There is a prevailing fear that China may eventually surpass the United States, which has led to the misinterpretation of some of China’s defensive measures as offensive threats.
Certainly, the internal divisions within the United States, encompassing political, economic, and social challenges, have brought about a plethora of uncertainties and negative impacts on Sino-U.S. relations and even the global anti-globalization trend. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated suspicions and accusations between China and the United States. The outbreak and standoff of the Russia-Ukraine conflict has not only fueled ideological polarization and Cold War mentality within certain factions of the U.S. decision-making circles, but also expedited the Indo-Pacific strategy. It is widely known that certain actions by the U.S. Congress and executive branch regarding Chinese Taiwan have heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Today, the world finds itself at yetanother crucial juncture, navigating between war and peace, polarization and coexistence, decoupling and cooperation.
The Changes of Sino-U.S. Relations and the Global Landscape
Sino-U.S. relations are currently at their lowest point in over 40 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties. This vital bilateral relationship, among the most consequential globally, is veering toward hostility and danger. Accusations are being exchanged between both sides, and the risk of military confrontation and war between these two major powers is escalating. Some individuals, adopting a zero-sum mentality, even entertain the idea of wishing misfortune and disaster upon the other party.
The changing dynamics call for a profound shift in mutual understanding. Throughout history, Sino-U.S. relations have seen moments of collaboration and solidarity. Since President Nixon and Dr. Henry Kissinger’s landmark visit to China in the 1970s, there have been remarkable achievements in various aspects of Sino-American cooperation. The mutual goodwill between the people of both nations and the extensive exchanges across various sectors are undeniable. While human nature remains constant and both nations are esteemed civilizations with diligent populations, significant changes in the global landscape have led to varying perceptions stemming from evolving anxieties, challenges, expectations, and national strengths.
Looking at the bigger picture, it is essential to analyze Sino-U. S. relations within the context of fundamental shifts happening in the global economic, political, and security spheres. We need to interpret the changes in their relations against the backdrop of significant global and era-defining transformations. As highlighted in the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), “momentous changesof a like not seen in a century are accelerating across the world.” Few disasters in human history, like pandemics, wars, and famines, are as alarming as those happening simultaneously today. The global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, outbreaks of military conflict in Europe with potential escalation, and severe threats of famine in Africa and other underdeveloped regions are clear examples. Recent discussions and concerns about the use of nuclear weapons reflect people’s anxiety about the instability of the international situation. As UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recendy remarked, “We’re in an extremely worrying and dangerous world.”

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