SINO- US RELATIONS

Introduction
1.
Most analysts have characterized present Sino-American relations as complex
and multi-faceted, with the United States and the People's Republic of China being
neither allies nor enemies. Generally, the American government and military
establishment do not regard the Chinese as an adversary, but as a competitor in some
areas and a partner in others. At the same time, it is acknowledged that the nature of
Sino-American relations will be a major factor in determining the fate of the world in the
21st century.
Background
2.
Relations between the People's Republic of China and the United States have
generally been stable with some periods of tension, especially after the fall of the Soviet
Union, which removed a common enemy. US has sought to promote democracy and
the market economy, consolidate alliances, undertake humanitarian interventions, and
prevent the rise of regional powers that could challenge its primacy. Washington has
come to perceive China to be one such power
There has always been some confrontation between Sino-US relations. The
incidents like Vietnam and Korean War, the Taiwan issue, PRC's Military Budget issue,
and finally the US India nuclear deal etc are some of the cause for bitter relation. To
pursue its interests, US pressed India to abandon its association with the Non-Aligned
Movement (NAM) and openly ally with the US. The US effort to help India access a
permanent seat in the UN is basically US recognition of India as a nuclear state and it is
aimed to counter balance China in the region. China knows that the deal will open the
possibilities of Indo-US cooperation on a number of other strategic issues. If India and
the US are allowed to cooperate more closely, it is bound to redefine the Asian balance
of power. What PRC wants from US is a strategic partnership to balance neighbours it
considers to be both powerful and covetous. On the face world the China shows
cooperation with US in different fields of mutual interest like:(a) U.S.-China economic relations
The PRC and the U.S. resumed
trade relations in 1972 and 1973. Total two-way trade between mainland China
and the U.S. has grown from $33 billion in 1992 to over $300 billion in 2007. The
United States and People's Republic of China also discussed strengthening
cooperation in fighting terrorist finance and money laundering.
(b)
Human rights
The PRC has taken considerable steps to improve
upon its human rights in conformity with international norms. Among these steps
are signature of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, Cultural, Civil
and Political Rights in October 1997 (ratified in March 2001) and October
1998(2004).

(c)
Cooperation on bilateral matters
The PRC and the U.S. have also
been working closely on regional issues, such as those pertaining to North Korea
and its nuclear weapons program. It also voted to refer the DPRK's
noncompliance with its International Atomic Energy Agency obligations to the UN
Security Council.
(d)
Indo-US cooperation
China is a booming economy of the world and
wants to have full focus on its economy, it finds a lot of attraction in Indian
markets. Although having border disputes with India, China wants good relations
with its neighbours and wants to resolve all issues peacefully.
(e)
Sino-U.S. relations
Sino-U.S. relations are Washington's most
problematic in the near future. Despite Chinas principle of peaceful co-existence,
its threat to U.S. hegemony can not be ignored. Whilst co-operative efforts have
been made, there have been a number of periodic collisions which have
threatened the relationship. These issues are basically interference in the internal
affairs, such as the Taiwan Straits crisis, spy plane incident in 2001, continuing
Diaoyu Islands territorial dispute, embassy bombing in Belgrade, and continuing
accusations regarding human rights abuses. It is no coincidence that each
instance relates to China's territorial integrity.
The Chinese government, as discussed above dealt with some of the issues as
per the international norms and whenever it comes to interference in its internal
affairs or territorial integrity it has reacted forcefully. This makes Americans to
believe that China could be provoked to be hostile to US interests any time.
While there are many irritants in Sino-American relations, there are also many
stabilizing factors. The People's Republic of China and the United States are
major trade partners and have common interests in the prevention and
suppression of terrorism and in preventing nuclear proliferation. While the end of
the Cold War removed a common enemy, the War on Terror has produced a new
common enemy, which has stabilized relations to some degree. Beijing wants to
persuade the US that instead of being strategic competitors, the US and China
can and should actually work as partners despite major differences between
them.
Conclusion
3.
China and the United States are two of the most important countries. The status
and orientation of the Sino-U.S. strategic relations, to some extent, decides the peace,
stability and prosperity of the region. A reciprocal shaping-and-adapting relationship
will last a long time functioning as the main pillar of the regional strategic stability.
Therefore to have a balance of power China wants strategic partnership with US.