BBC Analysis: Why US-China Tensions

The United States has closed a Chinese consulate in Houston on suspicion of spying. In retaliation, China also closed a US consulate in Chengdu. The latest blow to the ongoing downturn for some time is the closure of the reciprocal consulates of the two countries. The BBC's Barbara Plate Usher has tried to find out the purpose and possible consequences of this animosity between the world's two top economies.

Closing foreign missions is not an unexpected event. But it is a rare and dramatic step, from which it is difficult to come back. Relations between the two countries have been strained for months due to reciprocal visa bans, new travel rules for diplomats and the expulsion of foreign correspondents. However, the administration of US President Donald Trump has been seen taking the latest tough step in the ongoing dispute.

Earlier this month, the director of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Christopher O'Reilly, said there was a risk of cracking down on Beijing. He said China, which threatens US interests, has stepped up its intelligence activities for a decade. They have stepped up investigations to prevent it, although China has dismissed it as a "hateful slander."

Many experts have expressed skepticism about the Trump administration's sudden tough stance against China. According to Danny Russell, the top diplomat for Asia at the State Department under President Barack Obama's predecessor, this could be part of a bid to divide US politics ahead of the November presidential election.

However, in Russell's statement, 'yes' and 'no' — there can be two types of answers. Yes, because Trump has recently taken an anti-China strategic position to woo voters. Trump has said that China is hurting the United States in the 2016 election. He is also trying to establish that strategy in this election. In addition, Trump, who has failed miserably to contain the Corona epidemic in his own country, is trying to put the blame on China for spreading the virus. However, Trump does not want to engage in any major conflict or military action. China also does not want a war.

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