Public debate about whether China is an aggressive state and the extent it is a direct threat to U.S. interests is pervasive in think-tanks, the media, and growingly within U.S. Defense leader comments. However, U.S. policy toward China is clear, Presidential intent is to cooperate in as many areas as possible. Additionally, both the Intelligence Community's threat assessments and analysis of China's intention and military capabilities indicate China's rise is non-threatening. There is at times an apparent conflation in the understanding of U.S. capabilities planning and resourcing with policy formulation and execution that are inconsistent with the threats China poses. Senior leader rhetoric is misaligned with the U.S. assessment of China's threat and the actual threat posed by China's military, it is also inconsistent with the U.S.' national strategy documents. Analysis of defense leader comments in 2015-2016 reveals that in general, defense leaders inconsistently elevate the threat posed by China's military and are not fully aligned with U.S. policy. Defense leaders should clearly differentiate between defense budget and planning risk China's military creates from the implementation of U.S. policy toward China and its military.This compilation includes a reproduction of the 2019 Worldwide Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community.As the President's articulation of vital national interests and the strategy to protect them, the NSS serves as the foundational document for the missions the U.S. military pursues, capabilities needed to protect our interests, and most importantly the conditions when diplomatic, information, economic, and military force may be used. Key U.S. interests remain the protection of U.S. citizens, allies, and partners; economic prosperity; respect for universal values and a rules-based international order. As expected, the NSS states that the U.S. will deter and defeat any adversary that threatens our national security and U.S. interests, specifically threatening U.S. citizens, their livelihoods, or the security of our allies. Furthermore, it serves to set the tone for how the administration views risk and threats to U.S. interests. The NSS describes further the positive approach to protecting U.S. interests, through shared spaces, the building of positive regional relationships and investments, and strengthening of security partnerships. In keeping with U.S. liberal values to be an example to the world, supporting rule of law and the liberalizing power of complex interconnectedness through economy, culture, society, and norms, the NSS "welcomes the rise of a stable, peaceful, and prosperous China," noting that the U.S. will seek to "develop [a] constructive relationship" that is beneficial and improves security. The NSS acknowledges there will be cooperation and competition in the U.S.-China relationship but "reject[s] the inevitability of confrontation." Although the NSS states the U.S. will compete from a position of strength, its directive is to seek ways to reduce misunderstanding and miscalculation.
