In the current political climate, it seems that both major political parties in the United States are more interested in fighting each other than in recognizing the true threat that China poses to American security and prosperity. While each party has different reasons to ignore the Chinese threat, the fact remains that this blindness to the true danger threatens to undermine the country’s future in countless ways.
On the left side of the aisle, many Democrats still seem to be living in the Cold War era, paying more attention to the perceived threat from Russia than from China. They seem content to believe that China is a harmless economic competitor that can be contained through tariffs and other trade policies. However, this simplistic view fails to recognize the real threat that China poses to American interests.
For one thing, China has been aggressively pursuing a military buildup in recent years, investing heavily in new technology and infrastructure that could help it project power across Asia and beyond. This includes everything from new aircraft carriers and stealth fighters to sophisticated cyber capabilities and space weapons. While America’s military remains the most powerful in the world, China’s growing capabilities could make it increasingly difficult for the US to project influence and defend its interests in the region.
At the same time, China has also been working to undermine America’s economic preeminence in the world. Through practices such as intellectual property theft, currency manipulation, and state-sponsored hacking, the Chinese government has been able to gain access to American technology and know-how without having to pay for it. This has not only hurt American businesses and workers, but it has also given China the ability to compete more effectively in crucial industries like aerospace, tech, and telecommunications.
On the right side of the aisle, meanwhile, many Republicans seem more concerned with scoring political points against President Biden than with recognizing the true nature of the Chinese threat. They seem to believe that Biden’s approach to China is entirely wrongheaded, and that he and his family and large portions of the Democratic party have been bribed or otherwise corrupted by the Chinese Communist Party.
However, this ignores the fact that China has been acting aggressively in recent years, not just towards the US, but towards many of its neighbors in the region. From its territorial claims in the South China Sea to its support of North Korea’s nuclear program, China has shown itself to be an increasingly assertive player on the world stage. Simply assuming that China will be a reliable partner in diplomacy is a recipe for disaster.
Ultimately, both parties need to recognize the true nature of the Chinese and not ignore the Chinese threat and work together to develop a comprehensive strategy for countering it. This must include not just trade policies and military buildup, but also efforts to counter Chinese influence in key regions like Africa and Latin America, and to promote democratic values and human rights in China itself.
If the US fails to recognize this threat and act accordingly, we risk spending the next few decades playing catch-up to an increasingly powerful and aggressive China. It’s time for both parties to set aside their differences and work together to safeguard America’s future.
