US-China Tensions in the 21st Century: A New Cold War and India's Strategic Role

Today in the 21st century, the world is standing on the brink of a cold war in global politics. Tensions are constantly increasing between the US and China. The tension that has been increasing between these two countries for a long time is not just a conflict between two superpowers. Rather, it has become a widespread geopolitical conflict. Which is affecting the global power balance in today's time. The US is the most militarily powerful and economic superpower in the world. Whereas China is the emerging Asian superpower. From Taiwan to South China Sea, Belt and Road Initiative, Indo-Pacific Russia Ukraine War, G20, G7, the conflict is clearly visible on every front. Both countries are in competition to get ahead of each other. Let us know in detail which way the tension between the US and China will turn and what will be its impact on the world?

China's growing power

China has rapidly emerged as an economic, technological and military power in the continent of Asia in the last two decades. It is constantly developing in every field. Compared to the US, its economic policies are making a good hold in the global scenario.  Its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has become the main means of increasing influence in Asia, Africa and Europe. China's goal is not only to gain control over global trade. But also to change the geopolitical equations in the coming times. It considers itself as an alternative to America.

America's strategy

America knows very well that China is continuously getting stronger militarily and economically. It is the emerging superpower of Asia. In the coming times, it can become its (America's) alternative. It may also pose a challenge to the world in the coming times, so America has strengthened its traditional Asia policy and has also given it a new look to counter this growing power of China. In this sequence, through the Indo-Pacific Strategy, America has strengthened defense and strategic relations with countries like Japan, Australia, India. Under this, alliances like 'QUAD' and 'AUKUS' were formed. China considers these alliances a challenge for itself. It says that these alliances are against it.

Both America and China are permanent member countries of the United Nations. Both have different opinions on almost every issue. In this, China says one thing and America something else. The impact of the conflict between America and China is not limited to Asia only. Rather, this conflict has reached areas like Africa, Latin America and Europe. Both countries are trying to increase their influence in all areas. This conflict is also seen in technology, trade, military agreements and international institutions (such as UN, WTO). Some of these disputes are major.

 1. Taiwan dispute 

Both China and America have different opinions about Taiwan. China considers Taiwan as its part under the 'One China Policy'. According to this, there are not two Chinas but there is only one China in the world and Taiwan is its part. China's aggressive policy towards Taiwan and America's security commitment are the biggest reasons for tension. America supports Taiwan as an independent democratic country. America opposes any military action on Taiwan in 2025.  But China calls America's interference in Taiwan an attack on its sovereignty. Taiwan is not a UN-recognized country. But there is democracy in Taiwan, the Prime Minister and President are elected there.

2. Power display in the South China Sea

China has disputes with many countries like Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia etc. regarding its military bases and maritime boundaries in the South China Sea. Philippines took this dispute to the International Court of Justice. In 2016, the International Court of Justice ruled in favor of the Philippines and declared China's 'Nine Dash' claim wrong, but China refused to accept this decision. America challenges China's claim by conducting Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) here. And says that monopolistic policy should be stopped and international maritime law should be implemented. This further increases the possibility of naval clashes in this region.

Role of India

India, which is the world's largest democracy, is the world's emerging military and economic superpower. India is an important player in this conflict between America and China. America sees India as an alternative to China. But India has so far maintained strategic autonomy by maintaining balance in the global scenario. India's voice is the loudest and loudest in the whole world. It has its own independent foreign policy. Which differentiates it from others. In the coming times, India's foreign policy can be effective in deciding the direction of this conflict. Because India's stance will change the direction and condition of this tension.

Conclusion

In the 21st century, the rising tension between the United States and China is not just a rivalry between two superpowers, but a broad geopolitical conflict that is impacting the global balance of power. China’s rapid economic and military rise, and America's strategies to counter it—especially in the Indo-Pacific region—are pushing the world toward a new Cold War. Clashes over Taiwan, the South China Sea, technology, trade, and international institutions are intensifying. In this scenario, India’s role becomes highly significant, as its independent foreign policy and strategic balance can influence the direction of this conflict. If the tension continues to escalate, its impact will not remain confined to the US and China but will affect global political, economic, and security dynamics.

It remains to be seen whether China will become a superpower after the 21st century or America will become more powerful than it is now.