China will escalate
Kenneth Rogoff ’24, July 12, former chief economist of the International Monetary Fund, “Are Americans ready for the US-China trade war?” BUSINESS STANDARD, accessed July 18, 2024, https://www.business-standard.com/opinion/columns/are-americans-ready-for-the-us-china-trade-war-124071201225_1.html
From China’s perspective, the US and its allies are cynically trying to maintain a world order established through centuries of European and American imperialism. Much to the chagrin of US diplomats, many other countries appear to share this sentiment, as evidenced by the widespread disregard among developing and emerging economies for Western sanctions against Russia. Some may hope that China’s economic slowdown will curb its geopolitical ambitions. But its ongoing difficulties are just as likely to push China toward a confrontation with the US as they are to foster cooperation.