El futuro de la rivalidad EE. UU.-China: ¿cooperación estratégica o conflicto inminente?

The future of the U.S.-China rivalry: strategic cooperation or imminent conflict?

Abstract

In recent years, a consensus has emerged among international observers regarding the intense rivalry between the United States and China for economic, military, and political supremacy on the global stage. This rivalry raises the question of whether the relationship will evolve toward strategic cooperation or toward a hostile competition that could trigger conflict. This paper aims to analyze the dynamics that will shape the future of this relationship, identifying key questions on how the U.S. should respond to China's rise. To this end, a qualitative, descriptive, and non-experimental study was selected. The main findings reveal that while China's growing autocracy challenges American interests, assuming an inevitable conflict limits the possibilities for dialogue. It is concluded that strategic competition is the most likely scenario; therefore, the U.S. must prioritize a robust deterrence strategy without excluding specific dialogues in areas of common interest. Finally, Washington's strategic clarity will be decisive in ensuring that competition does not lead to a catastrophic confrontation.