The United States of America and China have a very intertwined relationship even though they are split by the Pacific Ocean. Over the last 70 years, both countries have experienced moments of tension and cooperation. Understanding this relationship as a young person is important towards building a better future for both countries.
Probably the most important aspect of US - China relations is trade. In 2017, the two way trade between countries reached $700 billion in goods and services. In 2022, this number rose to $758.4 billion dollars, and in 2023 China was the US’ 4th largest trading partner. In 2023, China also accounted for 4.6% of the US exports and 2.7% of the US imports; the largest US exports to China are travel, technology and intellectual property. US exports to China in 2022 was $154.0 billion, which was $2.6 billion more than 2021.
However, there have also been multiple occasions where there have been tense moments in between the US and China. For example, in May of 1999, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), accidentally bombed the Chinese embassy in Belgrade during its campaign on serbian forces occupying Kosovo. The Unites States and NATO apologized for this incident, but thousands of Chinese demonstrators protested throughout the country, attacking US property.
Why is it important that the youth of the US and China know how their relations work? For me personally, I find it important because the two countries have a very intricate relationship that has been evolving in the past century, but can fall apart at any moment if any country make too big of a mistake. In conclusion, I think that it is important for us all to know the past mistakes that have rattled the US - China relationship so that we can preserve it for future generations to come.
