The importance of the strategic partnership between Russia and China in the context of the US-China trade war

The article is devoted to the study of strategic competition between the United States of America and the People's Republic of China, manifested in the form of a trade war that began in 2018. The key stages of the escalation of trade conflicts, the introduction of tariff and non-tariff measures, as well as sanctions restrictions aimed at curbing China's technological development are considered. Special attention is paid to the impact of the US protectionist policy on international trade relations, the processes of globalization and the formation of a new world architecture. The article analyzes the transition from interdependence to the concept of "decoupling" — the economic gap between the two leading powers, which reflects the trend towards the formation of a new bipolarity. The paper also examines the role of Russia as a strategic partner of China and a factor of stability in the context of the growing confrontation between Washington and Beijing. The research uses methods of systemic, comparative, and structural-functional analysis, as well as a historical and political approach that allows us to consider the dynamics of trade confrontation in the context of global transformations of the international system. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the comprehensive consideration of the US-China trade war as an integral part of a broader strategy of geo-economic and technological deterrence, which makes it possible to assess its impact not only on bilateral relations, but also on the transformation of the global political and economic system. It is shown that the trade confrontation has become an essential element of the transition to a new world order based on bipolarity and rivalry between global centers of power. The role of Russia as a key partner of China, ensuring a balance of interests and forming alternative mechanisms for international cooperation, is revealed. It is concluded that the further development of Sino-American competition will determine the structure of international relations and the nature of global security in the 21st century.