The U.S. and China relationship is one of the most significant yet complex bilateral relationships in the world today. They are notably intertwined, yet both countries faced many ups and downs, experiencing periods of both tension and cooperation. As an American-born Chinese, I find myself straddling the two worlds: the deeply rooted Chinese culture with a history dating back 5,000 years, and the dynamic and powerful United States. I hope to use my Chinese-American identity to form a bridge between the two countries to create a better sense of intercultural connection.
The United States and China officially began relations when Caleb Cushing, a Congressman from the United States, and Qiying, a Qing dynasty negotiator, signed the Treaty of Wangxia. The main purpose of this treaty was to establish official relations and trade between these two countries. Throughout the years, the U.S. and China have helped each other become powerful countries in many ways. During World War II, The United States and China were allies against Japan. This brought the two powerful countries together as allies.
Currently, China is a major source of many manufactured items for the United States. In many ways, the U.S. and China are very connected. However, there are also tensions between them. The U.S. and China are facing an economic conflict that has been ongoing since 08. The U.S. is accusing China of unfair trading and taking away their jobs, while China thinks that America is trying to curb its rise as a global economic power. This has resulted in excess manufactured items in China and rising prices of manufactured items in America, making lives worse.
However, this issue can be solved with negotiations between America and China. America’s advanced technology and China’s low-cost manufacturing abilities can be put together to create top-quality products that can turn the world into a better place and reduce the impact of issues the world is currently facing.
My parents were born and raised in China but moved to America, where I grew up. My experiences as an American-born-Chinese allow me to appreciate both cultures, see the similarities that unite them, and understand their differences. My Chinese-American identity allows me to become a bridge connecting these two countries, among many others similar to my race. Together, I hope to be able to ensure that the U.S. and China maintain their positive relations with each other. I have taken my own action steps towards creating diplomacy between these two countries. Since kindergarten, I have been participating in many Chinese speech contests, delivering speeches about exploring my biracial identity and my perspective on the relationship between America and China. I hope that more people similar to me can take their own steps to unite the two countries.
In essence, the U.S. and China are two powerful countries with many opportunities to negotiate their tensions and become allies. The two countries have had many corporations and tensions, but as a Chinese-American, I am committed to serving as a bridge between the two nations. I believe that by fostering a better understanding of each other’s cultures, the U.S. and China can strengthen their relationship to benefit both the two countries and the world.
