Defense Priorities Defense Priorities
  • Policy Topics
    • Israel-Iran
    • Ukraine-Russia
    • NATO
    • China
    • 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 / U.S.-China conflict is hardly inevitable—but a sound strategy is overdue
China, Taiwan

March 8, 2023

U.S.-China conflict is hardly inevitable—but a sound strategy is overdue

By Lyle Goldstein

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 8, 2023
Contact: press@defensepriorities.org

WASHINGTON, DC—Yesterday, the Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang warned that the U.S. and China are on a path that will lead to conflict. This follows Chinese President Xi Jinping’s remark accusing the U.S. of attempting to contain China. Defense Priorities Director of Asia Engagement Lyle Goldstein issued the following statement in response:

“Harsh rhetoric from Beijing reflects inevitable jostling among superpowers. China is confronting hefty challenges, whether reckoning with the legacies of the pandemic, managing the pitfalls of the ambitious belt and road strategy, or wrestling with the dilemmas of its quasi-alliance with Russia.

“The U.S. remains in a relatively strong position. Its allies around the world are asking for additional help. It has managed to shed the burden of Afghanistan, so that it can concentrate on regions of greater importance. Notably, in the Asia-Pacific region, the U.S. remains in an unassailable situation, with little direct threat from China. Washington enjoys the advantage of ‘defense in depth,’ so that it need not be particularly perturbed by China’s occasional scrapping with its neighbors. There is an imperative to avoid overreacting to matters of little consequence.

“Despite America’s inherently strong position with respect to China, Washington should take prudent steps, especially in the era of nuclear weapons, to tamp down tensions. The U.S. should play hard ball in the economic realm, protecting American intellectual property and fighting trade restrictions. However, a policy of realism and restraint in the Asia-Pacific also has ample space for cooperative diplomacy, de-escalation of regional flashpoints, and even arms control. Above all, the U.S. must avoid drawing a red line over Taiwan–the only major volatile and contested issue that could plausibly lead to catastrophic armed conflict with China. Reactionary policies or virtue-signaling are no substitute for a coherent, moderate, and feasible strategy to advance vital U.S. interests.”

 

Author

Photo of Lyle Goldstein

Lyle
Goldstein

Director, Asia Program

Defense Priorities

More on Asia

op-edAsia, Burden sharing, China, Naval power, Taiwan

AUKUS is a flawed but sensible way to burden-share in the Pacific

By Lyle Goldstein

July 14, 2025

In the mediaUkraine‑Russia, China

Pentagon official at center of weapons pause on Ukraine wants U.S. to focus on China

Featuring Dan Caldwell

July 13, 2025

ExplainerMilitary analysis, Air power, Basing and force posture, Land power, Naval power

Aligning global military posture with U.S. interests

By Jennifer Kavanagh and Dan Caldwell

July 9, 2025

In the mediaGrand strategy, Asia

‘Restrainers’ propose slashing U.S. troop numbers in South Korea, Okinawa

Featuring Jennifer Kavanagh and Dan Caldwell

July 9, 2025

op-edGrand strategy, Americas, China, Great power competition

What is Trump’s “new realism” in foreign policy?

By Lyle Goldstein

July 4, 2025

In the mediaChina, Asia, Taiwan

American bombs in Iran also reverberate in China and North Korea

Featuring Lyle Goldstein

July 4, 2025

Events on China

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

Past Virtual Event: U.S.-China competition and the value of Middle East influence

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

Past Virtual Event: China-Russia: Cooperation or a no-limits alliance?

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

Past Virtual Event: 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