The American Spectator

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Another Perspective

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Fourth, trade with China is largely beneficial to America. Although disputes dominate news headlines -- with the U.S. lately bringing cases before the WTO -- similar concerns emerged and ultimately disappeared regarding Japan. Today few Americans worry about Japan overtaking the U.S.

Fifth, the PRC isn't likely to catch up to the U.S. militarily until mid-century at the earliest. Beijing will be able to match America in East Asia more quickly, but Washington's current advantage has always been artificial and is bound to ebb: the U.S. cannot expect forever to dominate every region on earth.

Maintaining American influence will require thoughtful diplomacy and economic openness. But Washington has the advantage of being allied with most of China's neighbors.

OF COURSE, THE PRC PRESSIMISTS could be right. Freedom gains might be lost. Economic liberalization can coexist with nationalism. China could eventually turn its growing power against America. All of these are possible, but not probable.

Treating China as an inevitable enemy and embarking upon a strategy of containment are far more likely to turn the PRC hostile. Nor is such a policy sustainable. None of Washington's friends in East Asia are likely to voluntarily turn themselves into a target of China.

Engaging in economic war makes no more sense. Even if such a policy hurt the PRC more than America, it would be mutually destructive.

Perhaps most important, the U.S. should put its own house in order. Washington should push freer trade throughout Asia, develop a cooperative strategy towards China with allied states, and improve its international image, all to better position itself for future competition with the PRC. America also should improve its economic competitiveness.

China today is more free, more prosperous, and more responsible than China only a few years ago. There still is reason for America to be watchful and wary about Beijing's policies. But the U.S. is acting from a position of strength, and should confidently engage, rather than timidly isolate, what is likely to be the world's next great power. The benefits of maintaining a mutually constructive, peaceful relationship would be enormous for both nations, and the rest of the world.

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