The Global War on Terrorism
China is one of the United States’ most valued allies in the Global War on Terror. Aggressively seeking out and eliminating terrorist operations all over the world is a shared goal of the two vastly different nations, a common thread that strengthens the growing ties between the two major economic and military powers.
Prior to September 11, 2001, relations between the two giants were somewhat strained. The US was strengthening relations with Taiwan, and had defined China as a “strategic competitor.” Many Americans had reservations about the emergence of China as a major, socialist power in the east.
However, that all changed after the WTC attack orchestrated by Osama Bin Laden and Al Qaeda. The US made a statement to the world, “you are either with us or against us,” and, unsurprisingly, most nations lined up on the side of America, some more enthusiastically than others.
China has proved to be an unexpected ally to the US, changing many of their policies to favor the United States. They allowed Japan to develop a military presence to support the War on Terror, the first time since the end of World War II that China has made that concession. China has also used its influence in southern Asia to ease nuclear tensions and give the US a greater freedom to exercise its power.
Historically, China has never been a friend to terror, enlisting a “strike hard” policy against separatists and other fringe groups that they consider to be terrorists. Some even accuse China of utilizing the banner of “the War on Terror” to increase oppression of their own people and deny human rights to groups that the government disagrees with, including racial persecution, infringement on freedom of speech and religion, and the right to a fair trial.
Whether there is truth to these accusations, the results on the world stage have been a net improvement in Sino-US relations.
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