What overarching approach is recommended to counter China?

• A. Containment through military force only
• B. Diplomatic engagement without deterrence
• C. Integrated deterrence
• D. Economic sanctions alone

Answer: (C)

Integrated deterrence uses a coordinated, whole-of-government, multi-domain approach to deter China. It combines military readiness and alliance-based signaling with diplomacy, economic statecraft, technology and cyber capabilities, and resilience across allies and supply chains. The idea is that China faces credible costs not from a single lever but from a synchronized set of responses that span land, sea, air, space, cyberspace, and economic influence, making aggression less attractive across scenarios. This approach also relies on strong alliances and partner networks, so commitments are reinforced and deterrence is not just unilateral. In practice, it means aligning military postures with diplomatic messaging, economic measures, and technological advances to shape incentives and reduce the likelihood of miscalculation. Relying on only one instrument—whether military force, diplomacy without deterrence, or sanctions alone—misses the range of tools needed to address a capable competitor and the variety of pressures they can apply.