In the words of Henry Kissinger, “The Soviet Union was a military threat, China is a civilizational challenge.”
Limitations of Challenges from erstwhile Soviet Union
Primarily Military and Ideological – Eg- communism and Cuban Missile Crisis
Limited economic challenges – contributing less than 10% to global GDP.
The USSR lagged behind in high-tech industries, focusing mainly on defense and space.
Limited soft power compared to the USA. Eg- Hollywood
The Soviet threat was largely European and nuclear, with limited maritime reach in Indo-Pacific
However, Chinese threat is Existential as
Geopolitical Dimension
China projects an alternative governance and development model of authoritarian capitalism
Indo-Pacific expansion- Strategic assertion in South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and Indian Ocean directly contests US-led regional order. Eg- boiling frog strategy
Geo-Economic Dimension
Parallel institutional ecosystem- Creation of AIIB, NDB, and BRI undermines US-dominated Bretton Woods institutions.
Integrated global economy leading to complex interdependence- 18% of world GDP, major supplier in 70% of global supply chains.
Debt Trap diplomacy through BRI loans and surplus-deficit strategies. Eg- Sri Lanka
Technological rivalry- Leads in AI, 5G, EVs, and green manufacturing, challenging US corporate and innovation supremacy.
Trade imbalance- Persistent US trade deficit with China (~$350 billion).
China’s yuan internationalisation and digital currency pilot aim to reduce dollar dominance.
Defence and Security Dimension
PLA modernisation (Blue Water Navy) – A2/AD (Anti-Access/Area Denial) and hypersonic capabilities, threaten US naval superiority.
China’s growing nuclear triad and cyber warfare capacity. Eg- Huawei ban in USA
Dual-use infrastructure- Eg- BRI ports and bases (Djibouti, Gwadar).
Multilateralism and Institutional Order
Global South outreach through BRICS, SCO, and G77, eroding US soft power among developing nations.
Issue-based coalitions- Unlike USSR’s bloc politics, China uses flexible, interest-based partnerships (e.g., with EU on climate, with Russia on energy).
Connectivity and Global Influence
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)- Encompasses 150+ countries, linking Asia, Africa, and Europe
Digital Silk Road- Expands China’s control over global telecom, satellite, and internet infrastructure
Steps Taken by USA to Counter China
Indo-Pacific Pivot Strategy for Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)
QUAD Revitalisation for strategic balancing
AUKUS Pact (2021) with Australia and the UK– sharing of nuclear submarine technology.
Trade Restrictions and Tariffs
Friendshoring with countries like India, Vietnam for supply chain diversification
Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF, 2022)
Blue Dot Network (with Japan and Australia) for transparency in global infrastructure projects.
Increasing freedom of navigation operations (FONOPs) in South China Sea
As held by Alexander, “China will astonish the world when it rises out of slumber.” Sustained strategic competition without conflict is essential to avoid future global instability and ensure peace.