The Concerning Tension Between the U.S. and China Enhanced by The Coronavirus

The disturbing enhancement of the U.S. and China crisis derived from the recent COVID-19 pandemic and its possible outcomes.

The United States and China have been in a diplomatic relationship since 1784 when the first US representatives went to China, establishing the start of what would become a lucrative business between the two countries. What was initially a trade of products such as tea, porcelain, and silk escalated over time in agreements, trades, and negotiations such as wartime alliances, exchange of scientists, students, aid, and others. Although both countries have benefited greatly from their long relationship, in recent years the tension between the two powerful and influential states has increased exponentially as they have entered a trade war and, most recently, what has been referred to by many as the “new technological cold war”. 

Lately, the situation between the United States and China has augmented aggressively in light of the recent Coronavirus pandemic. The escalating tension has now transitioned from a frequent social media attack from both governments to a problematic series of measures being taken on an action-reaction agenda. Both counties’ representatives have taken their attacks to the public. Accusations such as “It could have been stopped in its tracks, unfortunately, they [chinese government] didn’t decide to make it public… the whole world is now suffering because of it.” made by President Trump and “It is an American disease that might have been introduced by members of the United States Army who visited Wuhan in October.” reinforced by Beijing’s representatives not only augment the already installed chaos, they also instate a harmful vicious cycle in their relationship that may be deemed irreversible. 

As for the more concrete measures taken by the two world powers, China has recently expelled more than 13 journalists out of the country. Beijing has declared these retaliations as necessary countermeasures to the oppression of Chinese media companies in the United States. The Trump administration, in return, responded with the expulsion of 60 out of the 160 Chinese media workers stated in the US. 

  Although there are many reasons behind the recurring blame game between both countries, it’s extremely important to notice that accusations coming from both sides are also serving domestic purposes. Such strategies are being used to deflect the population from possible misdoings and inabilities of both governments.

In consolidation, the US-China relationship that has already been in decline for the last decades continues to suffer from an enhanced drop in the last weeks because of the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, their unhealthy power struggle is a source of worry not only for their future relationship but for the resolution of this international health and economic crisis, that would be better dealt with if both countries were to unite efforts.