Growing isolation puts China, US ‘on the brink’ of a new cold war


20b288a4-4186-4dd9-9912-5e190bf72b6d_23379489

US-China relations are at a “tipping point”, with the two powers on the brink of a technological and cultural cold war, former Washington ambassador to China Max Baucus warned on Tuesday.

Among the factors fuelling the downward spiral were the continuing barrage of US sanctions targeting Beijing, rising nationalism in China, growing domestic pressure in the country as Chinese President Xi Jinping seeks a third term, and a class of Chinese officials who are “hypercritical” of the US, he said.

Save 30% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.73/month

Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.63/month

Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
SCMP , US , China

Next In Aseanplus News

China signs record US$213 billion of new ‘belt and road’ deals in 2025: report
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Thursday (Jan 22, 2026)
TV host Patty Hou, 48, stuns netizens with ageless looks
Macron urges EU to hit back against Trump’s threats: ‘brutalisation of the world’
Philippine President Marcos on those who seek his ouster: ‘Don’t get too excited yet’
Limited-edition commemorative coins, gold foil for Brunei Ruler's Diamond Jubilee Wedding Anniversary
Cambodia to pay tuition fees for students on accused scam boss’ cancelled scholarship
Laos launches community-lead forest conservation initiative
Man charged over trafficking almost 2,000 Kpods into Singapore; he was caught with four-month old in car
73 South Korean scam crime suspects detained in Cambodia to be forcibly returned home

Others Also Read