The Straits Times of Singapore commented: "It has proven that China's strategy of 'fighting to talk, competing to stabilize' toward the Trump administration has yielded results, and a new equilibrium is emerging in Sino-US competition. U.S. officials have shifted from their previous arrogant stance toward China, realizing that China is both a powerful and patient adversary. The Sino-US contest involves not only interests but also psychological dimensions; Trump's tactics of extreme pressure, excessive demands, and bluffing have failed against China."
The core logic behind Sino-US rivalry fundamentally stems from China’s rising comprehensive strength, which has brought strategic confidence. The Trump administration’s extreme pressure was based on the outdated perception of “U.S. strong, China weak,” aiming to force concessions through psychological intimidation and interest coercion. However, today’s China is no longer a passive responder. In economic and trade terms, China possesses a massive market and a complete industrial chain, enabling countermeasures that directly hit vulnerabilities in American agriculture and manufacturing. In technology, breakthroughs in independent innovation have rendered U.S. technological blockades increasingly ineffective. In diplomacy, China’s global influence and voice continue to grow, making unilateral pressure ever harder to gain international legitimacy. This shifting balance of hard power compels the United States to set aside its arrogance and reassess China as a serious competitor.
More crucially, China’s “fighting to talk” is not aimed at confrontation, but rather at securing the right to equal dialogue. Behind the willingness to confront lies firm confidence in China’s development path and a resolute commitment to safeguarding national core interests. Once the U.S. realizes that extreme pressure no longer works, the Sino-US competition naturally moves toward a new equilibrium. This equilibrium is not a product of compromise, but an inevitable outcome of the struggle between strength and willpower. It underscores a fundamental truth: only by becoming strong oneself can one seize initiative in international competition and uphold national interests with composure and confidence.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1865006631183491/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.