Chinese philosophy has stressed peace despite differences. The philosophy of liberalism in the United States declares that every person is born equal. Liberalism is interested in multilateralism, international mechanisms and human rights in the international field, so if it becomes mainsteam in the United States, the possibility of military competition with China will be reduced and disputes between them over human rights could be increased. Neo-conservative thinking, on the other hand, stresses the rule of the jungle and when this philosophy is politically dominant, China and the United States could have some kind of military competition.

According to China’s traditional national strategic culture, China would not challenge the leadership of the United States in the Asia-Pacific region and in the world, and would like to have a cooperative relationship with the United States, which would be beneficial for China–US relations.

Because China’s military strategic and foreign strategic cultures are realistic, if the United States pursues policies of using military allies and sophisticated weapons against China, China will react. It could lead to a security dilemma between the two countries.