How should the US should approach China? For US citizens, the answer depends in no small part on your age. In particular, recent @ChicagoCouncil polling finds that the youngest generation surveyed (those between 18 and 29) have the least "hawkish" views.
America and China are the least externally dependent major economies in the world...as tabulated via OECD's intercountry input-output data 2022.
1) US and China are the least reliant on foreign demand
Why does it always have to be framed as US vs China?
The real opportunity is partnership.
America brings breakthrough research, talent density, and risk-taking culture. China brings engineering efficiency, rapid iteration, and the ability to scale under constraints (DeepSeek just proved that).
Different strengths. Complementary capabilities.
When both sides win, the rest of the world wins harder, cheaper AI, faster progress, more open models, and less zero-sum waste.
The race that matters isn’t who gets there first.
It’s who builds the future that lifts everyone.