The future of U.S.-China relations stands at a critical juncture, influenced by the outcome of the upcoming U.S. presidential election and China’s expanding footprint in the Global South. Amidst recent stabilization in the relationship, the specter of potential disruption looms large, fueled by geopolitical complexities and economic entanglements.
U.S. Presidential Election Impact
The future of U.S.-China relations are heavily influenced by the presidential election. Each contender has a different strategy to China, from confrontation to engagement, therefore the election results could change diplomatic equilibrium. Joshua Eisenman, Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs associate professor of politics, thinks domestic politics affect overseas ties.
Eisenman elucidates, “The uncertainty surrounding U.S. foreign policy vis-à-vis China creates a climate of apprehension, with stakeholders closely monitoring electoral developments for signals of future trajectories.”
Amidst this uncertainty, the resilience of bilateral relations, future of U.S.-China relations, faces a formidable test, with the potential for recalibration or rupture looming large.
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China’s Expansion into the Global South
China’s burgeoning presence in the Global South emerges as a defining factor reshaping the geopolitical landscape. With strategic investments in infrastructure and diplomatic overtures, China’s footprint extends across regions like Africa, catalyzing debates over economic dependency and strategic influence.
Eisenman underlines complicated dynamics “China’s Global South outreach is a strategic pivot with serious consequences beyond economics. Chinese Communist Party and People’s Liberation Army actively prolong engagements to affect geopolitics.”
Given this, questions abound about how the U.S. and its allies should respond to China’s growing influence, with calls for proactive tactics to protect interests and limit risks arises about the future of U.S.-China relations.
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