In recent years, the relationship between the United States and China has taken center stage in discussions about global trade. From historical ties to contemporary conflicts, U.S.-China trade relations have evolved dramatically, shaping economic landscapes on both sides of the Pacific. Understanding this evolution is crucial for grasping the current state of tariffs and their broader implications. The story begins decades ago when China embarked on its reform journey in the late 1970s, gradually opening its economy to international markets. The establishment of diplomatic relations in 1979 marked a pivotal moment as trade between the two nations began to flourish. Fast forward to 2001 when China joined the World Trade Organization (WTO), integrating itself further into the global economy. This accession led to an explosion of bilateral trade; however, it also seeded concerns regarding unfair practices and intellectual property theft that would later dominate discussions. Now, let’s ...