China is the most populous country in the world and is also the world’s second-largest country by land area. It shares borders with 14 countries, and the United States is one of them. The United States shares a border with China along four American states in the western part of the United States.
North and Northeastern States
The state of Alaska shares a maritime border with China’s eastern coastline. The border spans for about 1,538 miles (2,475 km) across the Bering Strait. Although the border is not connected by land, it is the longest international maritime border in the world.
Southern and Southeastern States
No state in the southern and southeastern regions of the United States shares a border with China.
Western States
The three western states in the United States that share a border with China are Washington, Idaho, and Montana. The border is located along the eastern edge of these states and spans for about 1,346 miles (2,166 km).
Largest State Bordering China
Montana has the longest border with China among the three western states. The border is about 676 miles (1,087 km) long and is located along the state’s northern boundary.
Smallest State Bordering China
Idaho has the smallest border with China among the three western states. The border is only 40 miles (64 km) long and is located along the state’s panhandle.
Trade between US and China
The United States and China are two of the world’s largest trading partners. The total trade between the two countries reached $558 billion in 2019. However, trade tensions between the two countries have escalated in recent years, with both countries imposing tariffs on each other’s goods.
Border Dispute with China
The United States and China have disputes over territorial claims in the South China Sea. The United States has been conducting naval operations near disputed islands, which China claims as its own. The two countries have also had disputes over the border between China and India, which is close to the border shared by the United States and China.
Military Presence on the Border
The United States and China maintain a military presence along their shared border. The United States has military bases in Alaska, while China has military installations in the border region of Tibet.
Cross-Border Tourism
Cross-border tourism between the United States and China is limited. However, some tourists from China visit the United States to see natural attractions like Yellowstone National Park, which is located near the border with Montana and Wyoming.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the United States shares a maritime and land border with China. Three western states, namely Montana, Idaho, and Washington, share a land border with China. Although cross-border tourism is limited, the two countries maintain a significant trade relationship, and both have a military presence along the border.
References
- "China’s Bordering Countries." World Atlas, 16 November 2021, www.worldatlas.com/articles/which-countries-border-china.html
- "China-U.S. Trade Issues." U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 2021, www.uschamber.com/china-trade
- "China-India Border Dispute." Council on Foreign Relations, 4 November 2021, www.cfr.org/backgrounder/china-india-border-dispute
