China as a Threat to the U.S.: Myth or Reality?

Abstract

The surprising presidential election result in the United States (U.S.) has brought a profound shift in the tone of rhetoric towards China. This change highlights competing views over whether China’s continuing ascension in the international systems can be accommodated peacefully or will constitute a threat to U.S. interests. In this article, we apply extant international relations theory to China’s recent foreign policy behavior across several regions. We evaluate whether China’s actions represent the natural increasing presence of a growing power or the actions of a revisionist state headed ultimately toward conflict. We conclude that China’s rise, while creating important challenges for U.S. foreign policy, is unlikely to be a threat.