An Analysis Of The Motivations For Maintaining Sino-US Relations During The De-escalation Period

Sino-U.S.relations are an extremely important bilateral one for China and the world,as they were in late Cold War period.From the establishment of secret contact between high-level officials of China and the United States through third-party channels in 1969 to the stagnation of bilateral relations in 1975,the relations between the two countries became eased.The communiqués issued by the two sides and the liaison office in the absence of diplomatic relations symbolized the progress made in the relationship.Considering the two countries did not achieve normalization against that background,the development of Sino-U.S.relations during this period was limited,and cultural and economic exchanges were not fully developed.Therefore,the relations back then largely relied on the consensus and understanding on world situation and issues of concern reached through summit meetings.By analyzing,it is found that political ties were the main driving force for promoting and maintaining bilateral relations at the time.Through talks to understand each other's positions and gradually build trust and conduct strategic coordination,and as the strategic consensus between the two parties increased,the Chinese leaders envisioned the inclusion of the United States in opposing Soviet hegemony.However,because the United States implemented its easing policy against the Soviet Union,which was contrary to China's strategy,the relations between the two countries have gradually become stagnant.At the same time,the positive impact produced from China and the United States detente,such as China's restoration of the legal seat in the United Nations,an increase in diplomatic countries,and improvement in the national security situation,were also the driving forces on maintaining bilateral relations.