Strategic Competition > Global Engagement
U.S. - China Dialogue
Sustaining Strategic Competition Without Sparking Strategic Conflict
"Dialogue is not appeasement—it is strategy."
Kennedy meeting with Ma Delun, Vice-Governor of People's Bank of China in Beijing
Mark Kenendy has visited China and Hong Kong 15 times between 1989 and 2018
🔹 Strategic Context
- This page is part of WISC’s Strategic Competition framework, applying geoeconomic statecraft through the STEAD model — integrating Security, Technology, Economics, Alliances, and Diplomacy — to secure U.S. leadership across critical domains.
Why Sustaining U.S.–China Dialogue Matters
- The U.S.–China relationship is the most consequential and complex diplomatic challenge of our time. Managing it requires strategic clarity, diplomatic discipline, and principled engagement. The United States must remain firm in countering aggression and economic coercion while maintaining open lines of communication to avoid miscalculation.
- America must engage a delicate balancing act—upholding U.S. interests and values through strength, clarity, and continuous engagement, while advancing dialogue to avoid mis-calculations without undermining deterrence.
Strategic Priorities for U.S.–China Dialogue
- Deter aggression.
- Reduce over-reliance in critical supply chains.
- Blunt impact of economic distortions.
- Counter coercion with resolve.
- Maintain lines of communication to reduce risk.
- Engage China selectively where interests align.
- Promote democratic values and trusted alternatives across Asia and the Global South.
Insights & Engagements
🏛️ Engaging Administration or Congress, 📰 Op-Ed / Article / Quoted 🎙️ Podcast ✍️ Policy Brief 👥 Roundtable / Event 🎤 Speaking 🎥 TV/Video 🌐 Global
- - "Mark Kennedy pointed out that if China is willing to further cooperate on fentanyl control, the United States will welcome it. But other major deals are unlikely, especially as the United States is about to undergo a regime transition."
- - "Perhaps in response to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's recent remarks about the United States' lack of confidence, President Biden insists that it is the United States that is rising," Kennedy told VOA via email. "As the People's Republic of China seeks to disengage from U.S. technology, President Biden emphasizes that the United States is investing more in research and development than ever before thanks to the CHIP and Science Act. Amid declining foreign direct investment in the People's Republic of China, President Biden emphasizes that the United States' progress in clean energy and advanced manufacturing attracted $650 billion in private sector investment'."
Reflection: In its strategic competition with China, the U.S. must pursue both deterrence and diplomacy with equal seriousness. Dialogue is not appeasement—it is a tool of strategy. Maintaining channels for communication is essential to avoid conflict and protect a world order based on openness and law.
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🔷 Featured Insights
Raimondo's China Trip Proves That Just Engaging Beijing Isn't Enough - Quoted in Josh Rogin Washington Post Op-Ed - August 31, 2023