- China views its recent into superpower status as a restoration of past glory.
- Before periods of decline, China dominated global trade in commodities such as silk and porcelain (900s-1200s) and controlled more seaborne routes (1500s-1800s) than Europe.
- Despite China’s remarkable history of rebuilding after major declines, US foreign policy often treats China as if it never prospered.
- To limit China’s influence, the US should strengthen ties with regional allies and target bad actors (eg individuals, companies) as opposed to China as a whole.
