Foreign Affairs Outlook for 2022​

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 U.S.-China Relations Outlook: Full-fledged U.S.-China Strategic Competition and Trends at the Global Level ​

 Chung Jae-hung 

(jameschung@sejong.org)

Research Fellow,

the Sejong Institute

English Abstract

The U.S.-China relations deteriorated beyond the trade conflict that began in earnest since the Trump administration, to the extent that it is called the "New Cold War." The Biden administration has a basic understanding that China has become the strongest rival of the U.S. in the 21st century due to increased economic and military capabilities as the U.S. failed to transform China that can adapt to an open democratic political system, liberal international order, international order, rule of law, and liberal democracy. Therefore, its Indo-Pacific Strategy implies a new hard-line policy toward China at the global level. In response, Xi Jinping's leadership is seeking to change China's role from a participant to a leader in order to change U.S.-centered global governance and move toward a horizontal relationship that is more proactive and vocal. In an increasingly intense U.S.-China strategic competition, strategic flexibility is necessary. South Korea should not support one country and make another an enemy. It is hoped that Korea come up with more balanced and reasonable countermeasures to establish peace on the Korean Peninsula and through the denuclearization-peace process and the establishment of a peaceful economic community in Northeast Asia