BBC: China Condemns US “Cold War Mentality” on National Security

A new US security policy labels China and Russia as “rival powers” that threaten US economic dominance, reports BBC News. A China spokesperson suggested that the United States is “distorting China’s strategic intentions,” and Russia responded by suggesting it “cannot accept” being regarded as a threat. The United States, in emphasizing “America first” policies, must prepare for other countries stepping up to compete in various ways. The document notes that China and Russia attempt “to erode American security and prosperity" and are “determined to make economies less free and less fair, to grow their militaries, and to control information and data to repress their societies and expand their influence." The document expresses worries about advanced weapons development, theft of intellectual property, influence in the developing world and unfair trade practices. US priorities include “protecting the homeland, promoting American prosperity, demonstrating peace through strength and advancing American influence.” The document does not list climate change as a threat and notes that “U.S. leadership is indispensable to countering an anti-growth energy agenda that is detrimental to U.S. economic and energy security interests” and the nation will “advance an approach that balances energy security, economic development, and environmental protection.” – YaleGlobal