The United States: The Country That Has Most Helped China's Economic and Social Development in the Past Century

By Peter Lee, Real Estate Broker in Toronto

Clarifying Friend or Foe

Some say that 'knowing who our enemies and friends are is the primary task.' This makes sense. Yet in real life, there are a few self-proclaimed scholars and experts who can’t even tell right from wrong, let alone identify friends and enemies. Fortunately, the majority of Chinese people are clear-headed and grateful. In fact, among nearly 200 countries in the world, the United States has done the most over the past century to support China's economic development and social progress—both during times of war and peace.

American Aid During China's Struggles for Independence

During China’s struggle for independence and national liberation, the U.S. provided unparalleled assistance. During the War of Resistance Against Japan, the U.S. supplied critical material aid via the Burma Road and the 'Hump' airlift, lifelines for the Chinese people. American pilots even gave their lives on Chinese soil. Unlike other powers that invaded and divided Chinese territory, the U.S. never occupied a single inch of Chinese land.

Post-Independence Development and Reform

After founding the PRC, China remained impoverished despite forming alliances with many socialist countries. It wasn't until normalization of relations with the U.S.—and especially after joining the WTO with American support—that China began rapid economic growth. U.S. consumer markets and technology partnerships enabled China's rise in manufacturing, infrastructure, and middle-class development.

Educational and Technological Advancement

Over the past 40 years, millions of Chinese students have studied in the U.S. and brought back valuable knowledge. China’s cooperation with American tech firms also accelerated domestic innovation. The $500 billion trade surplus with the U.S. each year has been a key engine for China’s development and international standing.

Acknowledging Gaps and Missteps

Despite progress, gaps remain—especially in foundational science and technology. COVID-19 exposed differences in governance and innovation. The U.S. swiftly produced effective vaccines, while China relied on more labor-intensive public health measures. Tech sanctions also revealed vulnerabilities in China's telecommunications sector. Learning from the U.S. is a long-term effort.

The Danger of Geopolitical Miscalculations

Some nations secretly hope for a U.S.-China conflict to reshuffle global power. These nations are not allies but opportunists. If China turns against the U.S.—a country that has provided so much opportunity—what would other countries expect? Maintaining and improving U.S.-China relations is both strategically wise and morally just.

Strategic Importance of U.S.-China Relations

History proves that when U.S.-China relations are strong, China prospers; when they weaken, stagnation or regression follows. Strategic direction is more important than development speed. Today’s domestic challenges—job scarcity, mortgage burdens, business difficulties—are all related to the trajectory of U.S.-China ties. The U.S. has been, and remains, the country that has most helped China's rise.

Note: This article was written for a North American economic media outlet as a purely academic discussion. The author holds no political stance