Final answer:
A contemporary perspective that highlights the different political and economic systems leading to varied customs and attitudes between the United States and China is the socio-cultural or socio-economic perspective. It considers the role of democracy and the free market in shaping American society, and contrasts it with China's Communist party governance and state-controlled economy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Which contemporary perspective would emphasize that the differing political and economic systems of the United States and China lead citizens of these two countries to adopt different customs and attitudes? This question can be explored through the lens of political culture and economic systems. A contemporary perspective that would focus on these differences is the socio-cultural or socio-economic perspective.
While analyzing U.S.-China relations, one must consider how the unique political systems---the democratic governance of the U.S. versus the Communist Party-led system in China---shape societal attitudes and behaviors. The United States encourages freedom of speech and social activism, largely due to its political culture and democratic values. On the other hand, China, with its controlled press and censored internet, showcases how a different political system shapes its citizens' ability to express dissent.
Economically, the U.S. operates under a largely market-based system, while China, despite recent movements towards market orientation, maintains significant state involvement in its economy. This fundamental economic difference further influences the customs and attitudes of individuals within these societies, guiding how they view government involvement in economic decisions.