In new Congress, a bipartisan push to take on China
The Christian Science MonitorMar 01, 2023
Senate Democrats on Wednesday launched a renewed effort to develop new bipartisan legislation to bolster US competitiveness with China, building on the "strong foundation" set last year by the "Chips and Science" Act.
The outlined goals would limit the high-tech and investment flow to China, promote investment in US industries, foster cooperation with allies — exemplified by providing a US-led alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative — and deter China from conflict with Taiwan.
The recognition of the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to the very existence of the US and its most fundamental values has cut across the US political divide, reversing decades of wishful thinking that China would eventually be liberalized if it were integrated into the global order. Americans do not want a Cold War 2.0, but they must protect themselves and the future of the free world.
Though Washington repeatedly claims not to be seeking conflict with China, its actions say otherwise. Polarized politics in the US have made it difficult for the two major political parties to reach a bipartisan compromise on domestic issues, instead forcing them to demonstrate their ability to cooperate in international matters, such as through opposition to Beijing, thus creating a situation that restricts de-escalation efforts.
There's a 20% chance that there will be a US-China war before 2035, according to the Metaculus prediction community.