Sino-American Relations

For the article on Taiwanese–US relations, see Republic of China–United States relations.

Sino-American or Chinese–US relations refers to international relations between the United States of America (U.S.) and the government of People's Republic of China (PRC). Most analysts characterize present Sino-American relations as being complex and multi-faceted. The United States and the People's Republic of China are usually neither allies nor enemies; the US government and the military establishment do not regard the Chinese as an adversary but as a competitor in some areas and a partner in others.

Until the 1970s, the United States recognized the Republic of China on Taiwan as the legitimate government of mainland China and did not maintain diplomatic relations with the communist regime of the People's Republic of China. In midst of the Cold War, the Sino-Soviet split provided an opening for the US to establish ties with mainland China and establish it as a counter to the Soviet Union.

As of 2011, the United States has the world's largest economy and China the second largest. China has the world's largest population and the United States has the third largest. The two countries are the two largest consumers of motor vehicles and oil, and the two greatest emitters of greenhouse gases.

Relations between the People's Republic of China and the United States have been generally stable with some periods of tension, most notably after the breakup of the Soviet Union, which removed a common enemy and ushered in a world characterized by American dominance. There are also concerns relating to human rights in the People's Republic of China and the political status of Taiwan.

While there are some tensions in Sino-American relations, there are also many stabilizing factors. The PRC and the United States are major trade partners and have common interests in the prevention and suppression of terrorism and nuclear proliferation. China and the US are the largest mutual trading partners, excluding the European Union.

China is also the largest foreign creditor for the United States. China's challenges and difficulties are mainly internal, and there is a desire to maintain stable relations with the United States. The Sino-American relationship has been described by top leaders and academics as the world's most important bilateral relationship of the 21st century.