Can America And China Become True Allies? May 2026

Retooling America’s alliances to manage the China challenge

While the two economies are "tightly intertwined," this interdependence has become a source of friction rather than a foundation for alliance. Can America and China Become True Allies?

: Ongoing flashpoints, particularly regarding Taiwan's sovereignty and military posturing in the South China Sea, create a "zero-sum" security dynamic that precludes the trust necessary for an alliance. 2. Analyze Economic Interdependence vs. Decoupling Analyze Economic Interdependence vs

: Both nations view each other as primary competitors. China seeks to increase its strategic autonomy and regional influence, while the U.S. aims to maintain its leadership through established alliances like NATO and AUKUS. while the U.S.

The most significant obstacle to a formal alliance is the fundamental competition for global and regional dominance.

: A "true alliance" typically requires shared values or a common existential threat. Currently, the U.S. remains committed to a liberal international order based on democratic principles, while China promotes an alternative model of governance that emphasizes internal political control.