Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Recently, the American Atlantic Council published an article titled “Competing with China: Either a Quick Victory or a Crushing Defeat,” which argues that in the event of a conflict between China and the United States, the United States must seek a quick conclusion or face “catastrophic consequences.” The author of the article, Glick, argues that a “short, regional, and limited war” best suits the capabilities and interests of the United States, and that an excessive focus on a “protracted war” will only lead to defeat.
Glick’s view is just one of many analyses in the American strategic community on this topic. Analysis of the military power ratio of China and the United States, or modeling the so-called “China-US standoff,” has always been the focus of research by American think tanks and often becomes an important reference point for Washington in making strategic decisions. It can be said that the research and assessments of some American think tanks have, to a certain extent, become “indirect factors” contributing to the deterioration of China-US relations.
In this regard, China needs to conduct an in-depth analysis in three areas:
First, we should be wary of the cognitive limitations of viewing Sino-US relations through the prism of confrontation. Such thinking is essentially a narrow zero-sum logic. The problem is this: first, it ignores the multidimensional and complex nature of Sino-US relations. Second, it overestimates the inevitability and severity of confrontation. Historical experience shows that Sino-US relations have always developed in a dynamic balance between tension and détente, and the potential for cooperation has never disappeared completely despite competition. Finally, there is a hidden risk of strategic miscalculation.
Second, it is important to understand the logic behind the “insecurity” of some in the United States that is behind the confrontational thinking. The current crisis of US self-confidence is due to many problems. In a period of adjustment, the United States, unlike in its heyday, needs international cooperation to address global challenges.
Third, it is necessary to clearly understand the future development trend of China-US relations. In the era of globalization, when science and technology are rapidly developing, the degree of exchange between countries is deepening, and the interrelations between countries are reaching an unprecedented level, peaceful coexistence between China and the US is no longer just a choice based on the interests of the two countries, but a necessary condition for safeguarding the common interests of mankind and the common development of the world.
American think tanks need to understand that the outdated logic of the zero-sum game does not apply to modern Sino-US relations. The economic complementarity of the two countries, as well as the inevitability of cooperation in security and public goods, should be the basis for the healthy development of Sino-US relations.