Charting Pathways for US-China Economic Cooperation Amid Strategic Competition

This report assesses the possibility for positive-sum US–China economic cooperation amid strategic competition. Following China’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001, Sino–Western economic ties appeared to strengthen. However, the global economic landscape has become increasingly complex in recent years, with rising trade tensions between China and many of its trading partners. This included the US and EU, the latter of which began to systematically impose tariffs and antidumping/antisubsidy measures starting in 2011. These tensions are influenced by numerous noneconomic issues, including territorial disputes, WTO compliance complaints, intellectual property concerns, and military activities, all of which have strained international relations.