– Two Confrontations Between China and the U.S.: A Clear Sign of China’s Rising Strength
The strategic rivalry between China and the United States has been one of the defining narratives of the 21st century. Over the past few years, two key confrontations have highlighted China’s dramatic rise in power and confidence. These moments not only underscore China’s growing capabilities but also reveal a shifting global balance of power. Let’s dive into what happened and what it means for the future.
The Anchorage Dialogue: A Turning Point in U.S.-China Relations
In March 2021, high-level officials from China and the U.S. met in Anchorage, Alaska, for what was supposed to be a diplomatic dialogue. Instead, it turned into a fiery exchange that stunned the world. Yang Jiechi, China’s top diplomat, delivered a now-iconic rebuke to the U.S. delegation: “You are not in a position to speak to China from a position of strength.”
This statement was a bold declaration of China’s newfound confidence. The U.S. officials, caught off guard, scrambled to respond, even resorting to boasting about their Mars rover—a move that was quickly countered by China’s own achievements in space exploration.
At the time, many observers dismissed Yang’s words as mere rhetoric or a defiant response to U.S. pressure. But nearly four years later, it’s clear that his statement was rooted in a deep understanding of China’s growing strength. Today, the world is beginning to see what China’s leaders already knew: China is no longer playing catch-up with the U.S.
The South China Sea Confrontations: A Tale of Two Eras
The evolution of China’s strength is perhaps most evident in its ability to counter U.S. military presence in the South China Sea. Two key confrontations—one in 2016 and another in late 2023 to early 2024—illustrate this dramatic shift.
2016: A Hard-Fought Standoff
In 2016, the U.S. deployed two aircraft carrier strike groups to the South China Sea, attempting to pressure China into accepting an unfavorable international arbitration ruling on maritime disputes. In response, China mobilized its entire naval fleet, including dozens of warships, with senior military leaders personally overseeing the operation.
When China publicly disclosed the precise location of the U.S. carriers, the U.S. forces retreated. China followed up with a large-scale live-fire exercise, showcasing its resolve and growing capabilities. While this was a significant moment, it required China to deploy nearly all of its naval assets and rely heavily on its mainland advantages.
2024: A New Era of Confidence
Fast forward to 2024, and the dynamics have changed entirely. In a recent standoff near Huangyan Island, the U.S. Navy’s USS Carl Vinson carrier strike group faced off against China’s Type 055 destroyer and a coordinated fleet of naval and coast guard vessels. This time, China didn’t need to deploy its entire fleet; a single Type 055 destroyer, supported by other assets, was enough to hold its ground against the U.S. carrier group.
The USS Carl Vinson’s hesitant maneuvers and eventual withdrawal dealt a blow to the confidence of U.S. allies, particularly the Philippines, which had hoped for stronger U.S. backing in the region. This marked a stark contrast to 2016, when China had to pull out all the stops to counter U.S. pressure.
Why China’s Strength Is Growing
China’s growing military superiority in the South China Sea is underpinned by several key factors:
Advanced Technology: The Type 055 destroyer, for instance, is equipped with hypersonic anti-ship missiles capable of striking targets over 1,500 kilometers away—far beyond the operational range of U.S. carrier-based aircraft.
Integrated Defense Systems: China’s land-based missile systems, air power, and island-based infrastructure create a formidable deterrent that the U.S. struggles to counter.
Industrial and Technological Base: While the U.S. defense industry accounts for 12% of its total industrial output, and Russia’s defense sector represents nearly 19%, China’s defense spending constitutes just 3% of its industrial output. This suggests that China has significant room to scale up its military capabilities if needed.
A Global Power Shift
The rivalry between China and the U.S. is no longer confined to regional disputes; it is a contest for global influence and the future of international order. The U.S., determined to maintain its hegemony, views China’s rise as a direct challenge. For China, however, the primary goal is to secure its development and improve the lives of its people. When U.S. actions threaten China’s core interests, Beijing is prepared to respond with unwavering resolve.
China’s confidence stems from its comprehensive strengths: a vast talent pool, a massive domestic market, cutting-edge technology, robust industrial capacity, and efficient decision-making. These advantages have enabled China to overcome numerous challenges and emerge stronger. For example, despite U.S. sanctions on Huawei and restrictions on semiconductor exports, China has made significant breakthroughs in high-end chip technology. In military technology, China has achieved strategic advantages across land, sea, air, space, and cyber domains.
What This Means for the Future
The two confrontations between China and the U.S. serve as a microcosm of the broader power shift underway. China’s growing strength and strategic assertiveness have reshaped the dynamics of international relations, leaving the U.S. and its allies grappling with a new reality.
This is not just a regional or bilateral issue—it is a defining moment in global history. As China continues to advance, the world must adapt to a future where the balance of power is no longer tilted in favor of the West.