World War II marked the beginning of US global domination as its economy bloomed while its land and infrastructure were mostly undamaged from the war. Since then, the United States has remained the most dominant country, economically, socially, and politically. However, over the last 20 years, China has begun to emerge as a global superpower threatening the economic dominance of the United States. China currently dominates the industrial economy and has established ties with developing countries to acquire control of valuable land and minerals pivotal in the development of the technological industry. China has become more ideologically prominent on the world stage, challenging the political convention of democracy over communism.

On February 14th, 2025, China’s foreign minister announced at the Munich Security Conference that China would “play along to the end” and “China would respond resolutely to unilateral ‘bullying’ practices, but hopes the U.S. can work together with it in the same direction.” This was in response to the 10% tariff increase on all Chinese goods that President Trump imposed on February 1st. Since the beginning of President Trump’s second term, he has emphasized that he wants to end US dependency on China to slow China’s global dominance and make the country more receptive and responsive to US economic policy. 

Many economists and politicians have stated that “Washington and Beijing are now competing in virtually every domain of global power” and “How they manage their relationship over the next decade will be of enormous consequence for the future of humanity.”

Although tensions rise between the two nations as they compete to be the strongest global superpower, the war most likely won’t be fought with arms but trade. Both countries possess large arsenals that would threaten the survival of mankind, limiting their aggression militarily. Given their nuclear capability and that both countries have emphasized anti-war sentiments, and both President Trump and Xi Jinping have expressed admiration and respect for each other, a conflict-based solution is most likely not in the cards, regardless of the tariffs or threats they propose.

However, trade wars aren’t without detriment, because they directly impact citizens economically, increasing the costs of goods and services, negatively impacting employment rate and small businesses, and reducing economic growth and innovation. The tariffs imposed on China and its reliance on exporting products to the United States could result in the loss of jobs for people in both nations. Ensuring that tariffs are lifted and their impact amended is essential, so the long-term consequences don’t harm the population of both countries by creating larger inequality gaps through joblessness.

Given the history of US hegemony, it’s unlikely that it will forfeit its position without a struggle. Equally, it is unlikely that China will rescind its growing dominance and economic influence. Therefore, in the interests of both nations, they must reach a mutually beneficial agreement, allowing both economies and polities to grow and prosper simultaneously.