The dialectics of engagement in the US-China relationship

Instead, China continues to enhance its competitive capabilities in crucial sectors that can potentially surpass the US, especially in cutting-edge fields like artificial intelligence and its various applications in military, defence, medical sciences, and other critical domains. Simultaneously, it strives to minimise the costs of any conflict, as taught by Sun Zi, believing the greatest success is achieved without resorting to confrontation, patiently waiting for the perfect moment to strike a devastating blow or exploit the internal turmoil that may afflict the US

On the other hand, the world's increasing dependence on China plays a significant role in the global economy, especially in exports. In 2022, China emerged as the largest exporter globally, with total exports reaching $3.73 trillion. The US, as the second-largest exporter, only exported $1.95 trillion. If this trend continues, China's economic influence, interference, and even control will grow significantly, positioning it as the sole decision-maker in world affairs, as opposed to the US

In summary, the current the US-China relationship is a complex dialectic of cooperation and competition. This dynamic could potentially escalate into a military, diplomatic, economic, and/or trade conflict. Both nations are grappling with significant internal issues, potentially delaying the evolution of this interplay into a new paradigm, and preventing disastrous clashes. It is worth considering that the existing mono-polar global order, currently dominated by the US, may eventually transition into a multi-polar or dual-polar world order. In this scenario, the West, led by the US and the BRICKS nations, controlled by China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, poses a challenge to the Western dominance. However, as competition between these two camps intensifies, cooperation between them diminishes, and the likelihood of confrontation becomes increasingly inevitable. While the US is sure to become more desperate to uphold its global influence, conflict could emerge as the ultimate determinant of supremacy. Despite the possibility of a nuclear conflict being averted as a deterrent, unforeseen events or a "black swan" disaster domestically or internationally could still result in one side conquering the other without a direct battle. No matter who comes out on top, the world will be forever changed.