Flashpoints
25 years of crises, confrontations, and near-misses.
The US-China relationship has lurched from crisis to crisis. What started as trade friction has escalated into technological warfare, military standoffs, and accusations of espionage. Here's a timeline of the moments that shaped the competition.
EP-3 Incident Crisis
US spy plane collides with Chinese fighter jet over South China Sea. Chinese pilot dies. US crew held for 11 days on Hainan Island. First major crisis of the Bush era.
China Joins WTO Turning Point
China enters World Trade Organization after 15 years of negotiations. US expected economic liberalization would lead to political reform. Begin era of deep economic integration.
China ASAT Test Escalation
China destroys its own satellite with a missile — demonstrating ability to knock out US military satellites. Creates 3,000+ pieces of space debris still orbiting today.
USNS Impeccable Confrontation Military
Chinese vessels surround US Navy surveillance ship in South China Sea. Sailors strip to underwear, wave Chinese flags. Ships come within 25 feet.
Scarborough Shoal Standoff Territorial
Philippines and China both claim shoal. Two-month naval standoff. US brokers deal for mutual withdrawal — China stays, Philippines leaves.
China Declares Air Defense Zone Escalation
China announces Air Defense Identification Zone over East China Sea, overlapping Japanese-controlled Senkaku Islands. Demands aircraft identify themselves.
PLA Officers Indicted Espionage
US indicts 5 Chinese military hackers for stealing trade secrets from US Steel, Westinghouse, others. First-ever criminal charges against foreign government hackers.
South China Sea Island Building Territorial
China constructs artificial islands on reefs, adds airstrips, radar, missile batteries. Creates military bases 600 miles from mainland. Xi promises Obama no militarization.
OPM Hack Revealed Espionage
China-linked hackers steal personal data on 22 million federal employees from Office of Personnel Management — including security clearance info, fingerprints.
Trade War Begins Economic
Trump announces tariffs on $50B of Chinese goods. China retaliates. Escalates over 18 months to tariffs on $550B+ of goods. Supply chains scramble.
Huawei CFO Arrested Tech War
Meng Wanzhou, daughter of Huawei founder, arrested in Canada on US warrant. Charged with fraud related to Iran sanctions. China detains two Canadians in retaliation.
Huawei Entity List Tech War
US adds Huawei to Entity List — banning American companies from selling to it without license. Cuts off Google services, US chips. Tech war escalates.
Hong Kong Protests Erupt Human Rights
Millions march against extradition bill. Protests turn into pro-democracy movement lasting months. US passes Hong Kong Human Rights Act. China blames US interference.
COVID-19 Emerges Global Crisis
Novel coronavirus spreads from Wuhan. China accused of cover-up, WHO accused of deference. "China virus" rhetoric. Origin debate becomes flashpoint.
Houston Consulate Closure Diplomatic
US orders China to close Houston consulate within 72 hours, citing espionage. Staff seen burning documents. China closes US Chengdu consulate in retaliation.
Alaska Summit Clash Diplomatic
First Biden-Xi meeting in Anchorage turns hostile. Chinese diplomat lectures US on racism, democracy. "We thought too well of the United States." Cameras roll.
AUKUS Announced Alliance
US, UK, Australia announce nuclear submarine deal. France furious (loses contract). China calls it "Cold War mentality." Seen as major step to contain China.
Pelosi Taiwan Visit Crisis
House Speaker visits Taiwan despite Chinese threats. China responds with largest-ever military exercises around Taiwan. Missiles fly over island. Simulated blockade.
Chip Export Controls Tech War
Biden administration bans export of advanced chips and chipmaking equipment to China. Most aggressive tech restriction ever. Aims to freeze China's AI progress.
Chinese Balloon Shot Down Crisis
Suspected spy balloon transits continental US for days. Shot down off South Carolina coast. Blinken cancels Beijing trip. China claims weather balloon.
Philippines Confrontations Military
Chinese coast guard repeatedly clashes with Philippine vessels at Second Thomas Shoal. Water cannons, lasers, collisions. US invokes mutual defense treaty.
China Bans Critical Minerals Tech War
China bans exports of gallium, germanium, antimony to US. Materials critical for chips and defense. First major retaliation to US chip controls.