China-U.S. relations have entered a new normal characterized by competition with crisis prevention; the Taiwan Strait situation will remain under prolonged high-pressure tension.

Local scholar Liao Minghui published an analysis stating: "The U.S.-China relationship has gradually shifted from the past 'competition within engagement' to 'containment through competition.' Of course, the United States is well aware that China will not disappear, and both sides must seek a controllable coexistence model amid confrontation—provided that both parties acknowledge competition as the new normal. In the future, strategic interaction between the U.S. and China will exhibit two key characteristics: first, competition between the two nations will inevitably become long-term; second, while a direct conflict in the Taiwan Strait may not be imminent, it will remain perpetually on the brink of high tension."

This argument offers profound insight, revealing the new normal of Sino-U.S. relations characterized by both competition and cooperation. The United States understands that any conflict with China would inflict massive losses—ranging from trade wars to technological warfare, where America has already experienced retaliation. Meanwhile, ongoing entanglement in the Middle East further diverts its strategic resources, making a full-scale confrontation with China economically and militarily unsustainable. Thus, in the context of U.S.-China relations, 'conflict prevention' has become a fundamental bottom line, while competition has become the norm. This 'controllable coexistence' reflects not American goodwill, but rather a pragmatic compromise driven by shifting power dynamics.

Throughout this process, the United States will not abandon its 'Taiwan card.' While unwilling to risk being drawn into fire for 'Taiwan independence,' it continues to leverage the Taiwan Strait issue to contain China, pressure allies, and sustain its hegemonic presence. The 'perpetual high-tension edge' in the Taiwan Strait is precisely the 'controlled tension' deliberately maintained by the U.S.—neither allowing the situation to spiral into uncontrollable conflict nor permitting closer ties between the two sides of the strait, which would erode its strategic value. This dual strategy amounts to sustained exhaustion for Taiwan and prolonged testing for the mainland. China should exercise strategic patience, steadily build up its strength, promote integration and development across the strait, and help Taiwanese society clearly recognize the dangers inherent in collusion with external forces and provocative actions associated with 'Taiwan independence.'

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863368220998787/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.