China's Long Game: Xi's Approach To A Sustained Dispute With The US

Benjamin Cohen

5 min read

Post on Apr 25, 2025

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Economic Strategies: Building Resilience and Reducing Dependence on the West

A cornerstone of China's Long Game is the strategic restructuring of its economy to lessen its reliance on the West. This involves a two-pronged approach: strengthening domestic capabilities and diversifying global trade partnerships.

Investing in Domestic Consumption and Technological Self-Reliance

China's ambition to become a global technological leader is evident in initiatives like "Made in China 2025," which aims to upgrade its manufacturing sector and foster technological self-reliance. This strategy includes:

• Massive investments in research and development across key sectors, including artificial intelligence, 5G, and renewable energy.
• The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): This ambitious infrastructure project not only expands China's economic influence globally but also secures access to crucial resources and markets.
• A push for domestic consumption: Reducing reliance on exports and fostering a robust internal market is crucial for economic stability and resilience.
• The significant role of state-owned enterprises (SOEs): These enterprises play a vital role in driving growth and controlling strategic sectors within the Chinese economy.

The aim is clear: to reduce dependence on US technology and foster indigenous innovation, ultimately challenging US technological dominance.

Expanding Global Trade Partnerships and Diversifying Markets

To mitigate the impact of potential US sanctions and trade wars, China is actively diversifying its trade partnerships. This includes:

• Strengthening ties with countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia: These relationships offer access to new markets and resources, reducing reliance on the US market.
• The establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB): This institution challenges the US-led financial order by providing alternative funding for infrastructure projects across Asia and beyond.
• Negotiating and implementing a range of bilateral and multilateral trade agreements: These agreements aim to expand market access and secure favorable trading terms.

This diversification strategy is crucial in mitigating the impact of potential economic sanctions and trade disputes with the US.

Diplomatic Maneuvers: Strategic Partnerships and Multilateral Engagement

China's Long Game also involves a sophisticated approach to diplomacy, characterized by the forging of strategic alliances and assertive engagement in multilateral forums.

Strengthening Alliances with Countries Sharing Similar Geopolitical Interests

China is actively cultivating partnerships with nations that share similar geopolitical interests or perceive themselves as marginalized by the US-led international order. Examples include:

• Strengthening ties with Russia: This partnership counters US influence and provides access to crucial resources and technologies.
• Developing closer relationships with Iran and other countries sanctioned by the US: This demonstrates a willingness to challenge US hegemony.
• Active engagement in international organizations like the UN: China leverages these platforms to shape global norms and advance its interests.

This strategy aims to create a counterweight to US influence and build a more multipolar world order.

Employing Assertive Diplomacy in Regional Disputes

China's assertive diplomacy is evident in its stance on several regional disputes, including:

• The South China Sea: China's claims in the South China Sea, backed by its growing naval capabilities, challenge the existing regional order and US interests in the region.
• Taiwan: China's increasingly assertive stance on Taiwan demonstrates its resolve to achieve reunification, even if it means escalating tensions with the US.
• Relations with its neighbors: China's economic and military power influence its relations with countries in its surrounding regions.

This assertive approach carries both risks and opportunities, potentially exacerbating tensions but also demonstrating China's determination to protect its interests.

Technological Advancements: Closing the Gap and Achieving Technological Parity

A critical element of China's Long Game is its relentless pursuit of technological self-reliance and leadership.

Investing Heavily in Research and Development in Key Technological Sectors

China is making massive investments in R&D across various technological sectors, including:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Significant investments aim to achieve global leadership in AI technology.
• 5G and beyond: China is aggressively deploying 5G networks and investing in the development of next-generation communication technologies.
• Quantum computing: China is competing with the US and other nations to make breakthroughs in this cutting-edge field.

These investments, combined with talent acquisition programs and intellectual property protection policies, aim to close the technological gap with the US.

Developing Indigenous Technological Capabilities and Reducing Reliance on Foreign Technology

China is actively developing indigenous technological capabilities to reduce reliance on foreign technology. This includes:

• Successes in developing domestic alternatives to foreign technologies: This showcases the progress made in achieving technological self-reliance.
• The potential to surpass the US in certain technological areas: In some sectors, China's rapid advancement positions it to become a global leader.

This strategic push towards technological self-reliance has far-reaching implications for global technological competition and China's global ambitions.

Conclusion: The Enduring Nature of China's Long Game and its Implications for the Future

Xi Jinping's approach to the sustained dispute with the US, encompassing sophisticated economic strategies, assertive diplomatic maneuvers, and relentless technological advancement, represents a long-term vision. China's Long Game is not a sprint but a marathon, aimed at achieving strategic parity and ultimately reshaping the global order. The potential trajectories of the US-China relationship remain uncertain, with the possibility of both cooperation and conflict. Understanding China's Long Game is crucial for navigating the complexities of the 21st-century geopolitical landscape. Continue your exploration of this critical topic by [link to relevant resources/further reading].