It is becoming more important for the United States to actively prepare for the potential implications of China’s rapid technological advancements and growing military capabilities, which could pose a threat to U.S. interests in the region. In order to protect those interests and those of our allies, it is necessary that the U.S. prepare accordingly for any possible outcomes created by these developments.
As the world’s second-largest economy and a major player on the world stage, China poses a dual challenge to the United States: a potential technological threat and an ever-expanding military build-up. In recent years, Chinese advances in technology – from artificial intelligence and robotics to 5G networks – have increased the potential for Chinese cyber intrusions into American systems. Meanwhile, Beijing has engaged in an unprecedented military buildup, looking to strengthen its hold in areas such as the South China Sea and surrounding countries.
As we move into 2023, China and the United States have two very different outlooks when it comes to their relationship with each other. Nearly all aspects of relations are seen through a national security perspective, including items that were typically regarded as helpful such as investments or joint development of new and exciting technologies. For Beijing, US export controls that are put in place to protect American technology represent an impediment to potential growth, while Washington regards anything that may contribute to Chinese modernization as enabling a strategic competitor and possibly sparking an aggressive military buildup.
However, the increases in tension between the two powers has not created by accident. China has made its intensions known through a hybrid of strategies, including the so-called “whole nation” initiatives, which has been an effective tool for achieving its foreign policy objectives. It has enabled China to rapidly modernize its economy and military, acquire powerful allies in the region, and become a major player on the global stage. This growth has also increased China’s ability to challenge American interests in the region, particularly in terms of trade and security.
Their system of approaches impacts foreign policy, and draws on all elements of the nation’s power and resources to achieve its goals. This has included diplomatic measures such as threats or incentives, economic investments and sanctions, military alliances and exercises, development assistance, and more. The threat posed by this approach is that it creates an increasingly powerful China able to shape its surroundings in ways potentially detrimental to American interests in the region, if not addressed.
China is undertaking a calculative strategy that strikes a balance between strengthening military capabilities and avoiding the appearance of a rapid or dangerous military buildup. The strategy involves modernizing both its nuclear and conventional forces at a steady pace, with the goal of reducing existing vulnerabilities while acquiring diplomatic and political leverage.
Historically speaking, rising nations, such as China, often do not simply accept the prevailing global political order and integrate themselves peacefully into it. These nations typically do not attempt to topple the existing order either. Instead, they leverage their newfound power to create political, economic, and military tensions that draw world powers into conflict. This behavior has been observed in other rising nations throughout history and is likely to be seen in China’s rise in power.
It is crucial for the United States to diplomatically engage with China; however, they must also be ready for any eventuality, including military action. As China continues to modernize economically and militarily, there is an increased need for the U.S. to keep a watchful eye on their progress and maintain their own influence in the region. To ensure the safety of both the homeland and our allies, the U.S. should take proactive steps to discourage or even prevent China from obtaining capabilities that could threaten core national security interests in Asia or elsewhere. In addition, the U.S. must remain prepared to cope with a more aggressive and hostile China if necessary.