The confrontation between the United States and China threatens not only the two powers themselves but the wider world, South China Morning Post columnist Andrew Sheng has argued.

At the heart of the rivalry are two competing strategies. Washington is seeking to preserve its global leadership along with its military and technological superiority, while viewing the emergence of a powerful challenger as a threat to the existing international order. Beijing, meanwhile, continues to strengthen its position as the world’s second-largest power.

Rapid advances in unmanned systems, artificial intelligence and robotics are adding another layer of tension. Sheng noted that these technologies are gradually eroding the traditional US advantage in the air and at sea while giving other countries more options for asymmetric warfare.

Supporters of a tougher approach in Washington advocate responding to China’s rise by expanding the US military presence in different regions, reinforcing alliances and protecting America’s technological lead.

However, efforts to build a fully united Western coalition have fallen short. US allies assess their relations with Beijing differently and have not adopted a single common position.

Sheng argued that asking which side would win a potential armed conflict is itself the wrong approach. Instead of preparing for war, the United States and China should focus on preventing it and cooperate on global challenges, including climate change and social inequality.

In his assessment, the world will continue moving toward another prolonged conflict unless all sides recognize that international stability depends on dialogue and mutual understanding, and that the future global order must accommodate more than one perspective.

In early July 2026, representatives of Washington and Beijing discussed the need to build constructive relations based on fairness. Earlier, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi warned that confrontation between the United States and China could have catastrophic consequences for both countries and the entire world. Beijing called on Washington to abandon the logic of rivalry and move toward partnership.