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Should the US pursue a new Cold War with China?

Brookings experts debate the applicability of the Cold War analogy to the current U.S.-China relationship, considering the economic, political, and military dimensions.
While the U.S. and China are in a state of competition, it differs fundamentally from the U.S.-Soviet Cold War, particularly due to economic interdependence. China's rise and its political model present unique challenges, but it does not seek to overthrow democratic regimes or force its political model on others.

Leans Left

January 20, 2024

Brookings experts debate the applicability of the Cold War analogy to the current U.S.-China relationship, considering the economic, political, and military dimensions.
While the U.S. and China are in a state of competition, it differs fundamentally from the U.S.-Soviet Cold War, particularly due to economic interdependence. China's rise and its political model present unique challenges, but it does not seek to overthrow democratic regimes or force its political model on others.

Leans Left

China's decision to ban the export of rare minerals affects U.S. national, economic, and rare earth security, given that rare earth elements are crucial in defense and technology sectors.
The U.S. has and should expedite its efforts to address its vulnerability in this area through funding decisions to enhance domestic rare earth processing capabilities.

Centrist

Current methods like export controls are not enough to change China's practices on stolen technology, and the West needs to work together prevent this.
The article emphasizes a coordinated diplomatic effort to make China a responsible participant in global markets, focusing on reducing China's unfair trade behaviors and holding it accountable for its actions.

Centrist

The report argues that both the U.S. and China, as status quo powers, share an interest in a stable global security environment and an open global economy.
It suggests that diplomacy should focus on framing an inclusive global system, focusing on actions that reduce zero-sum constraints.

Bipartisan

This report discusses the challenges in estimating the Chinese defense budget and draws parallels with the difficulties faced during the Cold War in assessing the Soviet defense budget.
The report emphasizes the importance of accurate, data-informed estimates of the Chinese defense budget for assessing the U.S. defense budget and suggests that lessons from the Cold War can inform current analysis of China's military spending.

Conservative

This report highlights the intersection of growing U.S.-China geopolitical rivalry and the rapid development of military AI and how the U.S. can manage strategic risks.
It discusses China's integration of AI into its military and civilian sectors, proposes ways for the U.S. to limit China's military AI progress.

Center Left

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