Xi Jinping’s Cold War Strategy: Lessons from the Soviet Union to Counter U.S. Rivalry

Key Takeaways:

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1. Strategic Stalemate: Xi Jinping aims to achieve a “strategic stalemate” with the U.S., avoiding direct confrontation while preparing China for a prolonged competition.
2. Learning from Soviet Failures: Xi’s strategy draws on lessons from the Soviet Union’s collapse, focusing on economic diversification, geopolitical alliances, and avoiding isolation.
3. Dual Circulation Policy: China’s dual circulation strategy emphasizes domestic self-reliance while maintaining global trade ties, particularly with lower-income countries.
4. Military and Economic Balance: China is increasing its defense budget steadily (7.2% annually) without engaging in a costly arms race, while strengthening Communist Party control over society.
5. Long-Term Patience: Xi’s approach relies on strategic patience, leveraging U.S. political and economic volatility to buy time for China to close the gap in technology and global influence.

What Happened?

Chinese leader Xi Jinping has spent years preparing for a Cold War-style rivalry with the U.S., inspired by his analysis of the Soviet Union’s failures. Xi’s strategy focuses on avoiding the mistakes of over-reliance on heavy industry and isolation, instead emphasizing economic resilience, multialignment diplomacy, and technological advancement.

The turning point came during Trump’s first-term trade war, which prompted Xi to reassess China’s position in a superpower clash. Policies like dual circulation were introduced to insulate China from external shocks, particularly U.S. trade and technology restrictions.

Why It Matters?

Xi’s strategy reflects a long-term vision for China’s rise as a global power, positioning the country to challenge U.S. dominance without direct confrontation. By focusing on economic diversification, alliances, and technological self-sufficiency, China aims to outlast U.S. pressure and emerge stronger in the global order.

However, this approach comes with risks. Xi’s command-and-control policies are stifling private-sector growth, and efforts to produce everything domestically could exacerbate deflationary pressures. The success of this strategy will depend on China’s ability to balance economic stability with its geopolitical ambitions.

What’s Next?

China will continue to strengthen its global influence through initiatives like the Belt and Road program, while seeking to weaken U.S. alliances. Analysts will watch for further developments in China-Russia relations, as well as Beijing’s efforts to counter U.S. trade and technology restrictions.

For the U.S., the challenge will be to maintain its economic and military edge while addressing internal political and economic volatility. The outcome of this protracted rivalry will shape the global balance of power for decades to come.