Defense Priorities Defense Priorities
  • Policy Topics
    • Venezuela
    • China
    • Israel-Hamas
    • Ukraine-Russia
    • NATO
    • Syria
  • Research
    • Briefs
    • Explainers
    • Reports
  • Programs
    • Grand Strategy Program
    • Military Analysis Program
    • Asia Program
    • Middle East Program
  • Experts
  • Events
  • Media
  • About
    • Mission & Vision
    • People
    • Jobs
    • Contact
  • Donate
Select Page
Home / China / Why a ‘military first’ strategy isn’t enough when it comes to China
China, Alliances, Asia

July 28, 2024

Why a ‘military first’ strategy isn’t enough when it comes to China

By Quinn Marschik

On Aug. 2, nearly 30 nations will complete the U.S.-led military exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC). Only 13 participating countries are located in the Indo-Pacific region, with the remainder coming from Europe and the Americas. RIMPAC’s overarching goal is to improve combat effectiveness and interoperability between allies and partners in the region. Against whom? China of course.

However, Washington makes a mistake in continuing to rely on military power as the primary tool for U.S.-China relations. The United States must focus more on non-military means to achieve its China-related interests.

Read at The Hill

Author

Quinn
Marschik

Contributing Fellow

Defense Priorities

More on Asia

op-edChina‑Taiwan, Asia, China

Skirting Taiwan will not spare Trump and Xi a future crisis

By Lyle Goldstein

October 31, 2025

op-edChina, Asia

Xi Jinping just buried the age of American hegemony

By Daniel DePetris

October 30, 2025

op-edChina‑Taiwan, Asia, China

When he meets with China’s Xi, Trump should finish what Henry Kissinger started

By Lyle Goldstein

October 29, 2025

op-edGrand strategy, Asia, China

America shouldn’t pivot to Asia

By Jennifer Kavanagh

October 28, 2025

op-edNorth Korea, Asia

President Donald Trump wants to meet with Kim Jong Un again. But what about Kim?

By Daniel DePetris

October 28, 2025

op-edChina, Asia, China‑Taiwan

Trump should stay the course on China

By Jennifer Kavanagh

October 27, 2025

Events on China

See All Events
virtualGreat power competition, Balance of power, China, Grand strategy, Middle East

U.S.-China competition and the value of Middle East influence

June 10, 2025
virtualChina, Alliances, Balance of power, Diplomacy, Grand strategy, Russia

China-Russia: Cooperation or a no-limits alliance?

April 3, 2025
virtualAsia, Basing and force posture, Burden sharing, China, Grand strategy

Rethinking U.S. strategy in East Asia: do more bases mean more deterrence?

January 24, 2024

Receive expert foreign policy analysis

Join the hub of realism and restraint

Expert updates and analysis to enhance your understanding of vital U.S. national security issues

Defense Priority Mono Logo

Our mission is to inform citizens, thought leaders, and policymakers of the importance of a strong, dynamic military—used more judiciously to protect America’s narrowly defined national interests—and promote a realistic grand strategy prioritizing restraint, diplomacy, and free trade to ensure U.S. security.

  • About
  • For Media
  • Jobs
  • Donate
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact
© 2025 Defense Priorities All Right Reserved