The U.S. must prioritize competition with China

OPINION:

Clifford May is right to suggest that the competition between the United States and China will be determined by will. But it will also be determined by the ability of the U.S. to focus and prioritize, including with respect to its defense posture (“Beijing’s strategy for Cold War,” Web, Dec. 1)

The United States won the last Cold War by harnessing all of the military and economic tools available. The ingenuity of our private sector was key to defeating the Soviets. There was also widespread cultural recognition of the danger posed by our opponents.

Unfortunately, when it comes to China, the threat doesn’t seem to exist and many American companies have actively aided and appeased the Chinese Communist Party.

The Cold War was also won thanks to the ability of the United States to fixate on competition with the Soviet Union. Other foreign policy objectives were rated with the Soviet menace in mind. This, too, must happen in order to effectively combat and deter China. U.S. defense planners must look at our bases, access arrangements, alliances and forces accordingly. As of now, all are set up for a different era. To prevent another global superpower conflict, this must change.

Unfortunately, the Pentagon’s recently released Global Posture Review, and current defense expenditures, don’t suggest that this will happen. The complacency of the United States will prove costly.

Sean Durns

Alexandria, Va.