Abstract

 In the past several years, the growing debate and recriminations on cyberspace issues between the U.S. and China has made cyberspace a realm in which the most hostile images each side has of the other. The study of the U.S.-China strategic trust in cyberspace has thus become extremely urgent and important. Starting from the related definitions, this paper tries to sort out the mutual perceptions of the two sides which have affected their strategic trust in cyberspace, and to analyze the basic and intensifying reasons leading to the lack of the strategic trust in cyberspace. The U.S. and China mutual distrust or lack of trust in cyberspace is determined by the overall Sino-US strategic cognitive status. But the specific feature of cyberspace also makes it a realm in which the U.S.-China strategic distrust is expressed and amplified most easily. The paper finally puts forward the principles as well as the possible efforts to be taken for the improvement of Sino-US cyberspace strategic trust. Cyberspace issues are not structural problems in Sino-US relations. If the two sides could strengthen positive cognitions, reduce and eliminate prejudice, it is entirely possible to render cyberspace a positive factor of the Sino-US relations.

Key Words

 US-China Relations;  Strategic Trust;  Strategic Distrust;  Cyberspace