China Policy

Washington Post opinion writer Max Boot had an interesting and important column the other day. It was titled “The Perils of Bipartisanship.” In these polarized times, unity of Republicans and Democrats with regard to a major policy issue would normally be something to celebrate, but the enthusiasm of leaders of both parties for being “tough on China” reminded Boot of the overwhelming enthusiasm of most leaders of both parties for initiating the Vietnam War and the 2002 Iraq War, which in each case led to catastrophic results. Charging ahead on a track that could lead to war with China poses far greater risks. China’s behavior and policies constitute a grave threat to American interests. Responding to it successfully will require a high ratio of wisdom to bombast.