ABSTRACT
China's relationship with the United States is often referred to as the most important bilateral relationship in the world. It is almost inconceivable how turbulent US–China relations have been over the past 100 years: being in the position of key allies several times, yet also facing each other several times in bloody conflicts. The discussion about the history of US–Chinese connections is also a story about the Chinese connection with the world – since the 19th century, the United States has been one of the most important foreign actors shaping Chinese development. The sometimes-contradictory legacy of US–Chinese relations shapes the perceptions in both countries but also reminds us how quickly things can change. Recently, US–China relations fell into a deep crisis during Donald Trump's administration, and they have not substantially improved under Joe Biden, either. After 50 years of cooperation and growing economic, political, military, and interpersonal contacts, the trend has reversed. Now, “decoupling” is the program of the day. As China has been catching up with the United States in terms of international power, the key question is whether the two great powers are headed for a tragic collision.
