The U.S. has not faced a competitor, or even a group of competitors, with a combined GDP larger than its own in over 130 years; however, China is on track to have the world’s largest GDP in absolute terms by 2030.  China uses this economic power to extend its influence around the world and to further fuel its growth; it flexes its market power to coerce regional neighbors to cave to Chinese policy; it uses access to its market as leverage to gain proprietary information to undercut competition; and it threatens loss of market access to gain acquiescence or silence party oppression and military aggression.

A core issue that must be addressed in the next decade is how can the U.S. effectively respond to Chinese economic statecraft, as well as how should the U.S. work with like-minded partners and allies to strengthen our own position in the world order.