Which set of measures is described as part of the recommended approach to counter China?

• A. Integrated deterrence with alliances such as AUKUS and QUAD
• B. Aggressive territorial expansion
• C. Diplomacy alone without military or economic tools
• D. Economic isolation of the United States from allies

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is using integrated deterrence through strong alliance cooperation to counter a rising power. When deterrence is layered across military, economic, and diplomatic tools and tied to partners, it becomes more credible and harder for a competitor to miscalculate. Partnerships like AUKUS and QUAD illustrate this by linking advanced capabilities, shared technology and intelligence, and coordinated operations and policies. This unity raises the costs of aggression and ensures partners can deter and respond in a coherent, scalable way across domains.

By contrast, aggressive territorial expansion undermines stability and violates international norms; diplomacy alone without credible tools falls short of preventing coercive actions; and isolating the United States from allies would erode resilience and reduce leverage.