Navigating Stormy Seas in US-China Relations
The US-China rivalry continues to intensify as Xi Jinping enters his third term. The United States, working with allies, should aim both to strengthen its competitive position and to stabilize the relationship, argues Brian G. Carlson in this CSS Policy Perspective.
Chinese President Xi Jinping with US President Joe Biden as they meet on the sidelines of the G20 leaders’ summit in Bali, Indonesia, November 14, 2022. Kevin Lamarque / Reuters
Key Points
- Xi Jinping secured a third term as China’s leader and appears likely to continue his course of statist economic policies and assertive foreign and security policies.
- Xi faces an array of domestic challenges, including the aftermath of protests against his zero covid policies and an ongoing covid surge.
- The Biden administration’s strategy for competing with China focuses on investment in domestic strength and cooperation with allies in Asia and Europe.
- Provided that these essential elements of competition remain in place, the United States should also seek to stabilize the relationship.