China has dismissed renewed US efforts to limit its strategic influence, insisting such moves will not succeed, even as Washington signals a softer diplomatic posture towards Beijing in its latest defence blueprint.
Speaking at a regular briefing on Thursday, China’s defence ministry spokesman, Jiang Bin, said attempts to block or contain China had consistently failed, while stressing that Beijing remained open to engagement with the United States. His remarks came as preparations continue for a possible visit by US President Donald Trump to China in April, where he is expected to meet President Xi Jinping.
The comments followed the release of the United States’ 2026 National Defense Strategy, which identifies China as the primary focus of American military planning in the Indo-Pacific but frames that objective in less confrontational terms. The document states that Washington intends to deter China “through strength, not confrontation”, marking a shift from the language used in previous strategy papers.
Under the prior administration of President Joe Biden, the Pentagon had described China as the United States’ most significant strategic challenge. The new strategy adopts a more measured tone, calling for “respectful relations” with Beijing and omitting any direct reference to Taiwan, the self-governed island claimed by China.
Despite the change in language, the document reaffirms plans to reinforce a “strong denial defence” along the First Island Chain, a strategic arc that includes Japan and Taiwan. In response, Jiang urged Washington to align its actions with its rhetoric, warning against what he described as contradictory behaviour on matters touching China’s core interests.
Tensions between the two powers have remained evident in the Taiwan Strait. In December, China conducted live-fire military exercises around the island after the United States approved a series of arms sales to Taipei, which Washington regards as a key security partner in the region.
