The State of Interdependence Between the Economies of China and the United States: From Chimericity to Separation

Topic. As two of the world’s leading economies, China and the United States play a major role in shaping the direction of the global economic system, with their influence stemming not only from their domestic policies but also from the configuration and context of their bilateral relationship. It should be noted that in recent decades, US – China relations have deteriorated from dense symbiotic interconnectedness to mutual rejection and fierce economic confrontation. This study aims to trace this regressive process in US – Chinese relations. Methods. The analysis uses a retrospective approach utilizing logical-structural and system-historical methods. A key aspect of the study’s novelty lies in the terminological debate surrounding the binary opposition of “Chimerica” as both a merger and a separation of the U.S. and Chinese economies. Results. Chimerica, as a state in which the complementarity of the economies of the United States and China has led to China becoming a producer and exporter of goods for the American market, and the United States has become the main consumer of Chinese products, has confirmed its non-viability in the last two decades. The trade war launched by President Donald Trump is the culmination point in the development of competition between the two countries for leadership in the global economy. The current administration of Joe Biden is no longer conducting a trade war with the same resonant methods that Trump used, but in general, US policy shows that deterring China is the most important goal of the American administration. Discussion. It remains difficult to predict the outcomes of the developing confrontational paradigm between China and the United States, particularly with Trump’s secondary term starting with new tariff war waged against the entire world. These circumstances highlight the need for further research in this area under conditions rapidly shifting international dynamics.