CFR Issues Call for Escalation of Confrontation with China

A new paper written by Robert Blackwell and Ashley Tellis, “Revising U.S. Grand Strategy Toward China,” has been published by the CFR, arguing China will be the U.S.’s “most significant competitor” for the foreseeable future and demanding a confrontation. The full report is not yet available, but a summary issued by the CFR says the report argues that the U.S. should:

• “Substantially increase the U.S. defense budget and intensify a consistent U.S. naval and air presence in the South and East China Seas,” and “accelerate the U.S. ballistic- missile defense posture in the Pacific.”
• “Deliver on the TPP… A major push by the White House for ratification should therefore begin immediately in the new Congress.”
• “Pay increased attention to limiting China’s access to advanced weaponry and military critical technologies… Constrict China’s access to all technologies, including dual use.”
• “Impose costs on China that are in excess of the benefits it receives from its violation in cyberspace… Increase U.S. offensive cyber capabilities.”
• “Build up the power-political capabilities of its friends and allies on China’s periphery,” especially India.

Lead author Robert Blackwell is Henry A. Kissinger senior fellow for U.S. foreign policy at the CFR. He was previously with RAND, and was a high-level national security official in both the George H.W. and George W. Bush administrations, as well as ambassador to India from 2001 to 2003. Ashley Tellis is also a RAND man, with a Navy background, who is a top India hand.