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US-China relations
ChinaDiplomacy

‘Cold but peaceful’: Chinese experts predict future of US-China relations

  • After the US midterms, some analysts say bilateral relations between the two rivals will remain turbulent and unpredictable
  • Cooperation will take a back seat to competition between Washington and Beijing, American studies seminar hears

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After the US midterms, Chinese experts say bilateral relations between China and the US will remain turbulent and unpredictable. Photo: AP
Kawala Xie

Tension and unpredictability will remain a big part of US-China relations in the long-term as America remains firm on its goal of “outcompeting” China, even though both nations have stepped up communications, Chinese analysts say.

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During a Wednesday panel discussion on US diplomacy, most experts said they did not expect the midterm election results to have any drastic impact on US foreign policy, especially towards China. But some analysts said ties between the two rivals will continue to see turbulence as the US becomes more determined to maintain its edge in both security and technology.

Several academics were among a group that took part in the virtual seminar hosted by the Institute of American Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing.

Many experts said the US government will become more divided after Republicans take control of the House of Representatives. They said that would make it more difficult for US President Joe Biden and his cabinet to balance policies toward mainland China and Taiwan, while they faced growing demands for more aggressive postures.

The discussion was held as the US Congress debates the Taiwan Policy Act. If passed, the bill would treat Taiwan as a major non-Nato ally of the US, requiring Washington to provide security help.

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Such legislation is likely to enrage Beijing, which considers Taiwan a breakaway territory and “the core of its core interests”.

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