The article “China-US Ties Sinking Amid Acrimony Over Trade, Politics” describes the clashing viewpoints of China and the United States. This is relevant to nationalism because it shows how nationalism can divide people, as many countries see themselves as separate from others. This makes it difficult for them to work together to achieve a common goal.
United States vice president Mike Pence accused China of trying to interfere with the midterm election to undermine Donald Trump’s trade policies with Beijing, and to beware of their “debt diplomacy”. Both sides have been at odds over human rights and global hegemony, with no resolution in sight. Predictions that China’s prosperity would cause it to fall in line with international values and law have proven to be false. Chinese president Xi Jinping has been accused of trying to overstep China’s bounds in order to become a world power. However, the comments made by the United States are only driving more of a wedge between the two countries. Both presidents are facing criticisms in their home counties, which does not help the tensions. No resolution to these tensions can be seen in the near future.
This article is significant because it shows an example of how modern day nationalism has driven a wedge between the two major powers: China and the United States. Their disagreements on policies shows the “us” versus “them” mentality described in Introducing Global Issues. Until they put their disagreements and criticisms aside, this nationalism will continue to be evident and conflict will continue.
The Associated Press. “China-US Ties Sinking Amid Acrimony Over Trade, Politics.” The New York Times, 22 Oct. 2018,https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2018/10/22/world/asia/ap-as-china-us-troubled-ties.html