China-U. S Common Goals: The Need to Cooperate on Global Governance

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Abstract

The relationship between the United States and China is significantly strained. Both countries are involved in a fierce and costly economic confrontation (trade war), competition in artificial intelligence (AI race), global governance, and security tensions. These issues threaten the current international order, and resolving them through negotiations may not guarantee long-term stability when the underlying factors that fuelled the conflict are not addressed. Fundamental ideas that once guided their relationship, such as engagement, cooperation, and convergence, are now being questioned. Additionally, the institutional framework for dialogue is being tested, as established communication channels have weakened, and bureaucratic processes on both sides struggle to keep up with increasing global complexity and diversity.

Keywords

Global Governance;United States-China;Cooperation;Competition

Conclusion

The trajectory of global governance in the twentyfirst century will be decisively shaped by the capacity of China and the United States to cooperate on issues of shared concern. As the largest developed and developing countries, their relationship is not merely bilateral but foundational to the stability of the international system. Past collaboration between these two powers has underpinned unprecedented levels of peace, prosperity, and interdependence, yet the durability of these achievements is increasingly threatened by rising tensions, institutional strains, and divergent strategic objectives.

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