The US knows the main threat is China

China’s President Xi Jinping opened the CCP’s 20th party congress by doubling down on four key issues: no let up on zero-Covid; no renunciation of force when it comes to Taiwan; a promise to build up China’s military strength; and no tolerance of any opposition to his rule. As he enters his third term, the most important new challenge he has to address are the export controls announced by the US on the eve of the congress that threaten to undercut China’s ability to develop semiconductors and supercomputers. Xi remains defiant: he promised to ‘resolutely win the battle in key core technologies.’

Yet Xi must be worried that the US has hardened its position, looking to find ways to limit China’s ability to strengthen its armed forces and promising to defend Taiwan if necessary. He must have hoped that when Russian tanks rolled across the border into Ukraine earlier this year, America would be distracted by Europe, potentially giving China the space to strengthen its global position.