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Sino-American relations refer to international relations between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the United States of America (USA).  Most analysts have characterized present Sino-American relations as complex and multi-faceted, with the United States and the People’s Republic of China being neither allies nor enemies.  Generally, the U.S. government and military establishment do not regard the Chinese as an adversary, but as a competitor in some areas and a partner in others, be it economy or security.

Relations between the two countries have generally been stable with some periods of tension, especially after the breakup of the Soviet Union, which removed a common enemy and ushered in a world characterized by American dominance.  There are also concerns which related to human rights in the People’s Republic of China and the political status of Taiwan.  

While there are some irritants in Sino-American relations, there are also many stabilizing factors.  The People’s Republic of China and the United States are major trade partners and have common interests in the prevention and suppression of terrorism and in preventing nuclear proliferation.  China is also the US’ second-largest foreign creditor, behind only Japan.  China’s challenges and difficulties are also mainly internal, and therefore there is a desire on the part of the PRC to maintain stable relations with the USA.  The Sino-American relationship has been described by top leaders and academics as the world’s most important bilateral relationship of the 21st century.

Various documents and agreements between the two countries on economic and security concerns have also been included in order to make the book very informative for administrators, students and scholars in international relations.