U.S.-China economic war shifts from trade disputes to national security
A new analysis shows the U.S. has systematically reframed its approach to China over five years, moving from complaints about unfair trade practices to invoking national security as justification for economic restrictions. The shift signals a fundamental change in how Washington deploys trade policy—one with major implications for supply chains, technology investment, and global economic partnerships.
Originaltitel: The Changing Character of U.S.-China Economic Relations: From Competition to Geopolitical Rivalry, 2018-23
<p>The article examines the evolving economic relations between the United States and the People's Republic of China (PRC) from 2018 to 2023, highlighting a transition from competition to geopolitical rivalry. It identifies three distinct phases: the "Trade Equity Phase" (2018-2019), focused on trade imbalances and unfair practices; the "Human Rights Phase" (2020-2021), which shifted attention to human rights abuses; and the "National Security Phase" (2022-2023), emphasizing national security concerns and technological competition. The analysis reveals that U.S. trade policies increasingly justified restrictions based on national security, impacting global economic dynamics and potentially leading to adverse outcomes for both nations and their allies. The article suggests that the trajectory of U.S.-China relations is likely to continue affecting international trade systems and economic partnerships.</p>