China-US Relations, Tending Towards Maturity

Abstract

The China-US relationship is one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world, and it is progressively maturing. Non-traditional security threats are expanding the shared interests of China and the US. The two countries have developed more realistic views of each other than they had decades ago, and this is making military relations more practical. The two are also interdependent in the economic realm, whether they like it or not, and therefore must work together to succeed in handling the current economic crisis. Connected to this economic challenge is that of climate change, an issue which the US must handle wisely in its relations with China. In addition, traditional security and peace issues will remain important, some even sensitive and difficult, in relations in the near future. The improved relationship towards which China and the US are moving will contribute substantially not only to bilateral relations but also to global peace and order.

Notes

¹ Aiming to expand China-US cooperation in this area over a period of 10 years, the agreement addresses five initial goals: clean, efficient and secure electricity production and transmission, clean water, clean air, clean and efficient transportation, conservation of forest and wetland ecosystems.

² US Department of Commerce, Census Bureau, Foreign Trade Division.

³ http://www.customs.gov.cn/publish/portal0/tab7841/info157538.htm.

⁴ http://www.customs.gov.cn/publish/portal0/tab7841/info157538.htm.

⁵ Statement of Ron Kirk, United States Trade Representative-Designate, Committee on Finance, United States Senate, 9 March 2009. http://www.finance.senate.gov/hearings/testimony/2009test/030909rktest.pdf.