By Vanja Borozan

Ms. Borozan is a student at Webster University and contributing editor in Opinion who writes
on global topics of religion and politics.

What is the most accurate characterization of the Sino-American relationship? Is trade the
singular imperative governing the relationship between the two preeminent global powers?
To what extent does religion play a role in this connection and what is its significance?

In contemporary times, it is evident that the influence of media in the 21st century is on the
rise. Consequently, a modern challenge revolves around cultivating an impartial perspective,
free from external influences. In this context let us deliberate upon the significance of
religious relations between these two nations. To gain a more comprehensive understanding
of this matter, it is imperative to delineate the approach of the Chinese government and its
stance toward religious practices.

From a historical perspective, the relationship between Tibet and China has been marked by
enduring tension over the years. The Chinese viewpoint on this matter is intricate. Officially
acknowledging Tibetan Buddhism as an integral facet of the nation's cultural heritage, the
Chinese government, however, exercises control over the religious practices of Tibetan
spiritual leaders, primarily as a means to uphold political control. The primary contention
posited by the Chinese government revolves around the concern of separatism, intricately
linking it to the influence of Tibetan Buddhism on political aspirations for independence.

Tibetan Buddhists were singularly subjected to severe treatment by Chinese authorities.

Accusations have surfaced regarding the alleged torture of Uighur Muslims in camps and
prison facilities. Furthermore, this demographic faces heightened surveillance, coupled with
strict control over religious activities and freedom of movement.
To what extent does China’s treatment of Tibetan and Uighur religions impact the diplomatic
relationship between the US and China? The United States government, along with a
considerable array of international human rights organizations, has censured China's behavior
or its constraints on religious freedom, suppression of Tibetan Buddhism and Uighur
Muslims, and intervention in the selection of both leaders. Such a stance by the United States
tells us a lot about their fostering democratic values and advocating for religious freedom on
a global scale. This engendered a significant contention in Sino-American relations, with the
United States persisting in its advocacy for increased freedom for Tibetan Buddhists and
Uighur Muslims, while China upholds its policy in the interest of regional stability and
development. The cruelty of China's behavior is shown by the imposition of sanctions by the
United States on specific Chinese officials and entities implicated in these actions, which are
deemed as violations of human rights.

The role of religion in Sino-American diplomatic relations, though discernible, remains

subsidiary when juxtaposed with the overarching considerations of geopolitics, economics,
and strategic imperatives that delineate the intricate interaction between these two global
powers. A comprehensive comprehension of this nuanced relationship necessitates a
profound appreciation for the multifaceted nature inherent in diplomatic engagements,
wherein religion, although present, frequently assumes a secondary position relative to the
more predominant forces that mold and define international affairs.

In collaboration with numerous diplomats and experts in international relations, the nexus
between religion and politics has presented an enduring quandary for human society since
antiquity. Diplomacy, inherently concerned with inter-country relations often fraught with
inherent contradictions, grapples with this intricate issue. In this context, I endorse the United
States' commitment to safeguarding the human rights of minority groups in China. However,
it is imperative to acknowledge that analogous challenges persist within the confines of the
United States.

The global influence wielded by this Western nation positions it as a perpetual participant in
international relations. Despite its potency and established standards, there exists
considerable scope for enhancement. This augmentation could manifest in striking a balance
between advocating for human rights, particularly the freedom of religion beyond its borders,
and concurrently advancing internal objectives. Such a harmonized approach would foster
equilibrium and further the cause of both global and domestic betterment.