Engaging China: A Prudent Path Forward for America

In today’s globalized world, the United States and China find themselves locked in a relationship that is as complex as it is consequential. The decisions we make in managing this relationship will define the 21st century. At the Center for Realpolitik and American Values (CRAV), we advocate for an approach that balances cooperative engagement with strategic prudence, acknowledging both the areas where mutual interests align and the fundamental challenges of competing national priorities.

Building Bridges Where Possible
Engaging with China is not optional; it is essential. The United States and China are the world’s two largest economies, deeply intertwined in trade, technology, and finance. A complete decoupling would not only be unrealistic but also economically catastrophic for both nations and the global community. Climate change, global health, and nuclear proliferation are issues that demand cooperative solutions. By fostering dialogue and collaboration in these areas, the United States can demonstrate leadership while building the trust necessary to prevent unnecessary escalation.

For instance, both nations have a vested interest in combating climate change. As the world’s two largest emitters of greenhouse gases, the U.S. and China must work together to develop innovative green technologies and establish international standards for carbon reduction. Similarly, cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic showed glimpses of how collaboration in global health can benefit the world, even amid strained relations. Engaging China in these areas is not an act of submission; it is a recognition that some challenges transcend borders and require pragmatic solutions.

Recognizing Competing Interests
While CRAV believes in fostering cooperation, we are clear-eyed about the areas where American and Chinese interests fundamentally diverge. From trade imbalances to intellectual property theft, from human rights abuses in Xinjiang and Hong Kong to military aggression in the South China Sea, China’s actions often run counter to American values and strategic goals. These realities cannot be ignored.

America must act prudently to protect its national interests. This means strengthening alliances in the Indo-Pacific, bolstering military readiness, and ensuring the resilience of critical supply chains. It also means investing in American innovation and manufacturing to reduce dependence on Chinese technology and goods. Economic engagement with China must be recalibrated to ensure fairness and reciprocity. For decades, China has leveraged access to its massive domestic market to extract concessions from foreign companies while protecting its own industries. The U.S. must push back against these practices, enforcing rules-based trade agreements that prioritize fairness and protect American workers.

A Realist Framework for U.S.-China Relations
At CRAV, we approach U.S.-China relations through the lens of realpolitik, emphasizing the need for a clear-headed understanding of power dynamics and national interests. This requires rejecting the extremes of blind confrontation and naïve idealism.

A purely adversarial stance risks unnecessary escalation and the destabilization of global markets. On the other hand, a strategy rooted solely in cooperation risks leaving America vulnerable to exploitation and undermining its global leadership. The middle path is one of calibrated engagement—working with China where interests align while standing firm where they do not.

Rebuilding American Strength
To act prudently with China, the United States must first put its own house in order. This means rebuilding economic resilience, revitalizing education and innovation, and uniting a divided populace. A strong, confident America is better positioned to engage China from a position of strength and integrity.

This also includes reaffirming our commitment to allies and partners. Nations in the Indo-Pacific, from Japan to India to Australia, are looking to the U.S. for leadership in counterbalancing China’s growing influence. Through multilateral frameworks like the Quad and AUKUS, America can provide a stabilizing presence in the region while reducing the risk of direct confrontation with Beijing.

Conclusion
America’s relationship with China is not a zero-sum game, but neither is it one of unconditional partnership. By balancing cooperation and competition, the United States can navigate this critical relationship in a way that secures its own best interests while contributing to global stability.

At CRAV, we believe that prudence and pragmatism are not signs of weakness—they are the hallmarks of effective statesmanship. By engaging China with clear-eyed realism, America can forge a path that reflects its values, protects its sovereignty, and ensures its prosperity for generations to come.