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.