US Sees China as Major Competitor, Focuses on Security

The United States views China as a significant competitor and will concentrate on bolstering security and border protection. This statement was made by Pentagon Chief Pete Hagel at a Ramstein-format meeting. Hagel noted China's increasing threat to U.S. national interests in the Indo-Pacific region. Relations between the U.S. and China are complex, involving both cooperation and competition for global leadership. China has previously offered assistance to countries affected by the closure of USAID by the Trump administration. President Trump had suspended all foreign aid programs for 90 days to review their alignment with his foreign policy. Trump also mentioned speaking with Chinese President Xi Jinping after his inauguration.