What question did this study set out to answer?

This paper aims to explore how the US employs managed competition as a systematic approach in its relations with China.

May 1, 2026Open Access

US–China Relations: Managed Competition as a Systemic Regime

Key Points

This paper aims to explore how the US employs managed competition as a systematic approach in its relations with China.
Analytical evaluation of US strategy toward China.
Identification of key components of managed competition.
Examination of institutionalised red lines and security-based containment.
US-China relations operate under a systemic regime of managed competition.
The model involves institutionalised red lines, systemic competition, and conditional cooperation.
Stability is achieved through balance management rather than eliminating rivalry.

Abstract

This paper analyses the United States’ strategy towards China as a model of managed competition functioning as the baseline regime organising bilateral relations. Unlike other strategic directions, US–China interaction has acquired a relatively institutionalised character, allowing it to be interpreted as a formed systemic regime. Within this model, competition is not a temporary phase but a permanent operational logic structuring interaction between states without escalation into open conflict. The system is shown to operate through the combination of three key components: institutionalised red lines, systemic competition, and conditional cooperation. Particular attention is given to the role of security-based containment and its instruments of implementation. It is concluded that US strategy towards China constitutes an institutionalised system of managed competition that ensures stability through balance management and the prevention of forceful revision, rather than through the elimination of rivalry.

US–China Relations: Managed Competition as a Systemic Regime

Key Points

Abstract

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