Mehmetali KASIM
America survived as the absolute world power in the “20th- century” world economy and politics. Whether it will maintain its leadership status in the 21st century or not has started to be questioned in the face of China, which was developed quickly after 1978 reforms. It has made considerable progress in increasing economic, military, and political influence and expected to continue grow. In the face of reality, the perception of the enemy has started to change drastically both in American administration and its people. The Chinese threat has gradually begun to replace the threat of Islam and Russia. Americans now believe that China is the biggest competitor to its security and leadership status in the world. The US government started to develop strategies and policies for Asia and entered the process of seeking cooperation worldwide. China not only does perceive this as encirclement but rather, it has expanded its influence by developing projects such as Towards the West strategy, Belt and Road Initiatives, to realize the dream of becoming the world's superpower. Central Asia, with its unique geographical location, has gained increasing importance for both America and China and has emerged as a new competition arena of great powers. In this study, the effects of political and economic developments occurring in China and America to the change on balance of power is evaluated based on quantitative and qualitative data. The trade wars between them and its causes, as well as the importance of Central Asia in the global competition of the two superpowers have been examined.
Key Words: China, America, Central Asia, The Changing Balance of Power, Great Power Competition.
