Assessing the radical transformation of U.S. policy toward China

U.S. policy toward China hardened during the second Obama Administration and has become more hostile since Donald Trump took power in Washington. Four factors may be causing this drastic change: (1) the shifting of power between the two countries in favor of China; (2) increased ideological differences between them; (3) conflicting economic interests; and (4) China being seen as a scapegoat in U.S. domestic politics. While a combination of the four factors can help explain the transformation of U.S. policy, the author argues that the changing behavior of China in the recent decade has been more influential in reshaping U.S. attitudes. The China–U.S. relationship may further deteriorate in the coming years, but observers are hopeful that the two giants can avoid violent confrontation. © 2020, The Institute of International and Strategic Studies (IISS), Peking University.