The Truth of the Matter What is the End Point of U.S.-China Competition?
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Jun 3, 2025 Dr. Tom Christensen, a Columbia University professor and former White House official, delves into the complexities of U.S.-China strategic competition. He questions the endpoint of this rivalry and emphasizes the need for nuanced understanding rather than a zero-sum game perspective. The discussion covers the crucial role of U.S. alliances in East Asia, economic impacts of tariffs, and the challenges China faces with its faltering real estate market. Christensen also explores how supply chains and economic interdependencies shape global trade dynamics.
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Complexity of U.S.-China Strategic Competition
- The U.S.-China relationship has long included strategic competition even before the term was commonly used.
- Labeling the competition as purely zero-sum risks oversimplifying the complex reality and misses aspirational goals.
Manage Alliances Amid Economic Frictions
- Prioritize managing alliances and partnerships carefully as they remain the U.S.'s greatest advantage in Asia-Pacific.
- Avoid economic policies like tariffs that risk alienating allies during sensitive political times.
Burden Sharing and Alliance Trust
- Ensure burden sharing with allies includes reassurance of enduring U.S. commitment.
- Strengthen alliances through consistent, reliable support to maintain their trust and morale.