Conflict and Cooperation in the Development of US–China Relations in Science and Technology: Empirical Observations and Theoretical Implications

Abstract

Science and technology have played important roles in the development of US-China relations since the late 1970s. The mechanism of scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries has been a useful tool of diplomacy and remains so today. However, the use of that tool has become more complicated over the past three decades in the face of changing political, economic and security environments, the impact of China’s growing capabilities in science and technology, a deepening of economic globalization and the growing role of global production networks, and the rise of global environmental and health issues. Ethnic identity as a basis for collaboration and the changing roles played by US-based ethnic Chinese scientists and engineers have played important roles. While the imperatives for building a long-term, sustainable cooperative science and technology relationship between the two countries are stronger than ever, the potential for conflict also has increased, pointing to the need for new approaches to governance in the bilateral relationship.