Chinese Whispers

From Chimerica to Cold War II: how US-China relations soured

34 snips
Mar 24, 2025
Bob Davis, former senior editor at the Wall Street Journal and author of "Broken Engagement," dives into the turbulent history of US-China relations. He discusses the dramatic shift from the US embracing China as an ally to current hostilities, questioning if past strategies were misguided. Davis also highlights key events shaping these tensions, including Xi Jinping's rise and the impact of COVID-19. The conversation further touches on the complexities of US policies regarding Taiwan and human rights, illustrating the challenges in navigating this intricate geopolitical landscape.
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INSIGHT

Project Goal

  • Bob Davis interviewed US officials from administrations spanning 40 years.
  • He aimed to understand the evolving US-China relationship, from cooperation to hostility.
INSIGHT

Shifting Views on China's Prosperity

  • Until the Trump administration, US officials believed a prosperous China benefited America.
  • This was due to anticipated economic benefits and reduced security threats.
INSIGHT

US-China Rapprochement

  • Initial US engagement with China was primarily driven by national security concerns.
  • The US aimed to exploit growing tensions between China and the Soviet Union.
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