The White House noted that competition should not lead to confrontation or conflict.
Washington is ready to cooperate with Beijing in areas where the interests of the United States and China coincide. This follows from a 16-page report prepared by the administration for members of Congress, “The U.S. Strategic Approach to China,” which was published on Wednesday on the White House website.
The document is mainly critical of Beijing. The U.S. administration links a number of challenges to U.S. national interests with China, including China’s economic policy as well as issues related to security.
“The US recognizes long-term strategic competition between our two systems. <…> The U.S. government will continue to protect American interests and promote American influence”, – the report notes.
“At the same time, we remain open to constructive, outcome-oriented cooperation and engagement with China in areas where our interests overlap”, – the document says. – “Competition should not lead to confrontation or conflict”.
“We do not seek to restrain China’s development <…>. The U.S. relies on fair competition with China, through which our countries, businesses and individuals can enjoy security and prosperity”, – the report says.
Pointing out areas for confrontation with China, the document notes that Beijing “promotes value propositions around the world that challenge the basic principles of American faith in the inalienable right of everyone to life, freedom and the pursuit of happiness.
“The Communist Party of China has stepped up its efforts to portray that its system of governance is functioning better than what it regards as the ‘developed Western countries'”, – the report argues.
The report notes that the U.S. will continue to “fight Beijing`s propaganda,” which, it says, “distorts the truth and tries to belittle American values and ideals. “The U.S. sees no point in cooperating with Beijing for the sake of symbolism or spectacle; we demand tangible and constructive results. <…> When quiet diplomacy turns out to be useless, the US will increase public pressure on the Chinese government and take measures to protect American interests,” the report stresses.
The report does not indicate any change in U.S. policy towards China, but continues the harsh rhetoric of President Donald Trump, which he believes may find a response among American citizens in the run-up to the U.S. presidential election.