Why Strategic Competition?
Kennedy meeting Yang Jiechi, Foreign Minister of China, in Beijing
Strategic Framing
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China’s assertive rise is reshaping the global order, challenging the rules-based system that has long underpinned peace and prosperity.
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From economic coercion to military expansion, China’s actions are increasingly zero-sum and revisionist, prompting a necessary shift in U.S. strategy.
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Strategic competition is not a choice—it is a response. The U.S. must secure its interests and values through strength, resilience, and alliances.
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Competition can coexist with cooperation, but it requires clarity about the risks and the resolve to deter aggression.
China’s Actions That Demand a Response
Military Coercion
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South China Sea militarization
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Taiwan grey zone actions
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Rapid buildup of military and nuclear weapons
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Expansion of overseas military bases (e.g., Djibouti)
Economic Distortions & Coercion
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Intellectual property theft
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Government subsidies spurring overcapacity to dominate global markets
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Retaliatory tariffs and sanctions (e.g., Australia, Lithuania)
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Belt and Road investments to dominate telecommunications, critial minerals and ports
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LOGINK and surveillance of global trade
Technology and Espionage
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Cyberattacks (e.g., Microsoft Exchange hack)
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Forced tech transfers
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TikTok, Huawei, and digital surveillance exports
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Made in China 2025 effort to dominate technologies of tomorrow
Supporting Russia & Other Authoritarian Powers
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Economic support of Russia enabling Ukraine war effort
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Collaboration with Iran, North Korea, Venezuela and others
Political Influence, Global Norm-Shaping
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UN agency influence operations to shape favorable norms
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Isolating Taiwan diplomatically
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Targeting diaspora voices abroad
The Bipartisan Pivot to Competition
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2017 National Security Strategy labeling China a “strategic competitor”
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Formation of the U.S. House Select Committee on China
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Creation of the CHIPS Act, export controls, and military modernization
Competing Without Closing the Door to Cooperation
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Engagement with China is still valuable—especially on climate, health, and crisis prevention
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Strategic competition must be pursued responsibly and credibly
Related Commentary & Thought Leadership
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