The Continuing Containment

Evaluating the Trump Administration's China Containment Strategy on Eastern Regions and Beyond

Abstract

There exists a shifting balance of power in east asia. China, the rising power, is attempting to dismantle american hegemony in the indo-pacific. To counter growing chinese capabilities, the Trump administation has adopted a policy of active containment, escalating U.S.-China tensions. This paper will explore China's rise from the perspective of Great Power Politics, establish there is a power transition, and lastly, argue that the Trump's administation containment strategy has been fundamentally counter-productive to American interests in the region and unsuccessful at moderating Chinese behavior. Lessons can be drawn from the Trump adminitation's misteps that can be used to formulate more effective zchina policy under the Biden administration.