The new U.S. National Security Strategy (NSS) published by the Trump administration is less a sudden departure from traditional policy and more an articulation and theorization of the conduct it has already taken – and intends to continue. Its ongoing practice of gunboat diplomacy in the Western Hemisphere, its nativist anger directed at mainstream liberal political forces in Europe, and its renunciation of the supposed mission to transform the Middle East and Africa all find clear expression in this document, which has stirred debate around the world.

One of the most surprising foreign policy developments under the Trump administration concerns China – and this was reflected in the NSS. As David Sacks noted, the NSS significantly downgrades the threat China is perceived to pose to the United States. China is no longer described as a “revisionist power” or “systemic challenge” – terms used in past strategic documents, including President Donald Trump’s first NSS. 

Instead, while China is seen as a major economic competitor, the NSS emphasizes the need to cooperate with Beijing where possible. The document even argues that there are areas where the United States can “help” China, saying, “We must encourage Europe, Japan, Korea, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and other prominent nations in adopting trade policies that help rebalance China’s economy toward household consumption.” 

It is not only the language of the NSS that points toward a China-U.S. détente, but also the reported actions of senior figures in the administration.

© The Diplomat