Interdependence Between China And The US

Both China and the U.S. share high levels of interdependence with each other. They have made a very complex economic arrangement. America accepts Chinese imports and pays in dollars, and China holds American dollars and bonds (Nye 56). While everyone might believe war between the U.S. and China is inevitable, it is far from the reality. It is the liberal perspective that good trade can foster peace between two states (Copeland 6). Both states realized that conflict between them will be detrimental to both sides. What makes both of these sides from engaging in violence together is rationality. Richard Cobden argued that today that it is impossible to “enrich oneself through force”, because by destroying bonds is terrible for the economy (Copeland
Each of their economies are so interdependent with one another that cooperation is key to maintain stability. For example, while the U.S. is full of rare earth metals, extracting and processing the materials is costly and polluting. So China imports the rare earths for a much cheaper price. Peaceful trading provides close ties and protection. Compared to how costly war can get, the relationship between the two are more willing to protect its internal business and cooperate to maximize profits. As of recently, they have found creative ways to deal with conflictions without damaging progress of establishing common interest (Hadley, Haenle).
Meanwhile another reason why war seems unlikely is that China is not in the position to go to war with America. While it’s possible for China to declare war, rationally speaking they would not. It is no doubt that China has made huge steps in development, there economic superiority compared to other great nations is simply nationalist propaganda trying to paint communist China as the enemy. When looking at the labor force, it is on a sharp
is present in China’s backyard, while partnered up with Beijing's foe’s. This obviously increases the friction between the two. Yet there is the largest body of water that separate the two. Being rational with their choices, both states will enjoy less confliction. With economic interdependence shared. Both can maintain strong relations by cooperating and sharing common core interest. While power seems to be rising in China, it's harder today for a state to rise because economic growth does not translate to military strength (Brooks, Wolhforth). Not to mention the U.S. has the most prestiged military in the world. China’s has a big disadvantage in the fight. Beside the two nations carry nuclear strength, both will take caution in disputes. In addition China and the U.S. will thrive of a great power alliance. Establishing comparable identities, war seems remote. At least hopefully for the time