US-China Relations

Key Issues

Economic policies, political status of Taiwan, trade disputes, trade deficit, Chinese state-owned firms, currency policies, investment

Economic Impact

Rapid growth of trade since 1979, reaching over $750 billion in 2022

Rand Paul's Stance

Advocates for diplomatic engagement and trade to avoid conflict

Global Significance

One of the most important bilateral relationships in the world

Rand Paul's Concern

Gain-of-function research outsourced to China, alleged COVID cover-up

Nature of Relationship

Complex, at times tense, persistent disputes

1784-08

1949

1949-1971

1954

1970s

1972

1978-12-16

1979-01-01

1995

2017-03

2017

2021

The relationship between the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the United States of America (USA) is one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world. It has been complex and at times tense since the establishment of the PRC and the retreat of the government of the Republic of China to Taiwan in 1949. Since the normalization of relations in the 1970s, the US–China relationship has been marked by persistent disputes including China's economic policies, the political status of [...] Between 1949 and 1971, US–China relations were uniformly hostile, with frequent propaganda attacks in both directions. At the 1954 Geneva Conference, Secretary of StateJohn Foster Dulles forbade any contact with the Chinese delegation, refusing to shake hands with Zhou Enlai, the lead Chinese negotiator.( Relations deteriorated further under President John F. Kennedy (1961–1963).( Before the Cuban Missile Crisis, policymakers in Washington were uncertain whether or not China would break with [...] However, shifting geopolitical dynamics, including the Sino-Soviet split, the winding down of the Vietnam War, as well as of the Cultural Revolution, paved the way for US President Richard Nixon's 1972 visit to China, ultimately marking a sea change in US–China relations. On 1 January 1979, the US formally established diplomatic relations with the PRC and recognized it as the sole legitimate government of China, while maintaining unofficial ties with Taiwan within the framework of the Taiwan

others feel relations are deteriorating with increased competition and interdependency. China is taking a more active role in regional and international activities and this could harm or help U.S.-China relations in unpredictable ways. Either way, the history of U.S.-China relations plays a major role in influencing the status of relations today. With China's growing power and influence in the international community, U.S.-China relations have become more important than ever before in ensuring [...] Congressional Research Service (2013). The U.S.-China Policy Foundation is a sol (c) 3 non-profit organization founded in 1995 to encourage greater understanding and policy dialogue between the United States and China. Compiled and written by Erin Monroe [...] U.S.-China Relations: A Brief Historical Perspective A Report by the U.S.-China Policy Foundation RELATIONS BEGIN Contact between the U.S. and China began in August 1784 when The Empress of China sailed to Guangzhou, a province in southern China. According to the U.S. Department of State’s Office of the Historian, in the 18th century, all trade with Western nations was conducted through Guangzhou. 1784 “marked the new nation’s entrance into the lucrative China trade in tea, porcelain, and silk.”

maintains unofficial ties with Taiwan, including the provision of defense aid. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, visiting Beijing in March, describes the U.S.-China relationship as one “built on nonconfrontation, no conflict, mutual respect, and always searching for win-win solutions.” [...] The United States and China, the world’s top emitters of greenhouse gases, sign a joint statement during the UN climate summit in Glasgow. They agree to boost cooperation on combating climate change over the next decade and work together on increasing the use of renewable energy, developing regulatory frameworks, and deploying technologies such as carbon capture. U.S. and Chinese officials applaud the agreement, with Chinese climate envoy Xie Zhenhua saying, “There is more agreement between the [...] President Trump welcomes China’s Xi for a two-day summit at the Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, where bilateral trade and North Korea top the agenda. Afterward, Trump touts “tremendous progress” in the U.S.-China relationship and Xi cites a deepened understanding and greater trust building. In mid-May, U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross unveils a ten-part agreement between Beijing and Washington to expand trade of products and services such as beef, poultry, and electronic payments. Ross

The U.S. trade with China is part of a complex economic relationship. In 1979, the U.S. and China reestablished diplomatic relations and signed a bilateral trade agreement. This gave a start to a rapid growth of trade between the two nations: from $4 billion (exports and imports) that year to over $750 billion in 2022. Until February 2019 China was the largest trade partner of the United States, and currently is in third place after Canada and Mexico while it remains the biggest source of [...] The guide addresses the U.S.-China relationship in general; the general trade situation between the two countries, and specific issues such as trade disputes and trade remedies; the U.S. trade deficit with China; U.S. trade and Chinese state owned firms, the market/non-market economy assessment and competitiveness; China’s currency policies; and investment between U.S. and China. Statistical resources, selected periodicals and databases are provided as well. Also included are links to the