Which of the following is a pillar of strengthening United States capability against China?

• A. Military basing and readiness alone
• B. Tech superiority, economic resilience, selective engagement
• C. Mercantilist protectionism only
• D. Withdrawal from alliances

Answer: (B)

A robust, multi-faceted approach builds U.S. capability against China by combining technology leadership, economic resilience, and selective engagement. Leading in technology keeps the United States at the cutting edge in critical areas like semiconductors, artificial intelligence, cyber, and advanced manufacturing, which helps deter competition through innovation rather than through sheer force. Economic resilience ensures that supply chains, critical industries, and domestic innovation remain strong even under pressure, so economic coercion or disruption doesn’t erode national power or allies’ confidence. Selective engagement sets the tempo and scope of competition: it means deterring and contesting China where it matters most while avoiding overextension, leveraging allies and coalitions, and prioritizing actions that maximize strategic impact.

Relying solely on military basing and readiness misses the broader landscape of great-power competition, which is driven as much by technology and economics as by force projection. Focusing only on protectionist policies neglects the global interdependence that underpins economic strength and can damage allies and partners. Withdrawing from alliances undercuts deterrence and reduces the united front needed to address shared challenges.