Skip navigation
How to Avoid an Avoidable War
Article

How to Avoid an Avoidable War

Ten Questions About the New US-China Strategy


auto-generated audio
auto-generated audio

Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Analytical
  • Background
  • Hot Topic

Recommendation

Today’s China poses a formidable challenge to United States’ hegemony – both economically and militarily. Under Donald Trump, America has taken a confrontational stance toward the rising superpower, accusing Beijing of unfair trade practices and military belligerence. Yet Washington has, so far, failed to articulate an overarching strategic vision for US-China policy. In Foreign Affairs, former Australian prime minister, Kevin Rudd, lays out 10 questions to help America formulate its China strategy and mitigate the risk of a confrontation between the two global powers. getAbstract recommends this article to those interested in US-China relations.

Summary

These questions can help US policymakers formulate a sustainable China strategy:

  • What are America’s goals? – America must clearly outline its objectives and consider how to respond should China fail to comply with demands to change its practices in areas such as trade and intellectual property.
  • What rules will govern the bilateral relationship? – A failure to develop ground rules on how to deal with issues such as military incidents, the purchase and sale of US Treasury Notes, or cyberattacks could lead to a dangerous confrontation. ...

About the Author

Kevin Rudd is the former Prime Minister of Australia and President of the Asia Society Policy Institute in New York.