America’s $162 Trillion Problem: How a Poorer China Is Catching Up in Power

America’s $162 Trillion Problem: How a Poorer China Is Catching Up in Power

Key Points – The United States dwarfs China in wealth, income, and innovation, yet risks losing the long game because Beijing treats economics as an instrument of state power. China directs capital into critical industries, builds a dominant manufacturing base, and weaponizes supply chains—even at a financial loss—under its “comprehensive national power” strategy. China SSN Submarine. Image Credit: Creative Commons. -Washington, by contrast, opt…