Abstract
This paper employs moral realism to investigate the underlying causes of competitive China-U.S. relations, aiming to enhance comprehension and management of global power transition phenomena under contemporary China-U.S. rivalry. As the world’s most consequential bilateral relationship, the evolving dynamics between China and the United States critically shape international patterns, warranting substantial scholarly attention. Building upon the core tenets and analytical framework of moral realism, this paper integrates empirical evidence and policy practices from the Biden administration to conduct a causal analysis of US competitive strategies towards China through dual lenses: comprehensive national power and political leadership capabilities. The findings reveal two primary determinants: First, the relative decline in US comprehensive national power directly motivates the Biden administration's continuation of competitive policies. This manifests through insufficient regional military influence, decelerating economic growth with diminishing capacity to sustain global economic development, coercive promotion of cultural hegemony, and waning political leadership in global governance. Second, the administration’s pronounced political gaming capabilities significantly contribute to its competitive strategic orientation, characterized by Biden’s “Artist” personal attributes and the dominant state’s embodiment of “Proactive Leadership” traits. Current developments indicate a worrying metamorphosis of China-U.S. competition into irrational and adversarial interactions. In response, China should proactively assume major power responsibilities by strengthening political leadership, maintaining strategic composure against US maximum pressure tactics, and safeguarding national interests through the principle of “fostering unity through constructive struggle”. This approach provides China’s distinctive solution for advancing global peace and development in the new era, while navigating the complexities of power transition dynamics.
Keywords: Moral Realism, China-U.S. Relations, Biden Administration, Strategic Competition
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