Trend China prepares for a protracted contest through self-reliance and domestic strength

Summary

Beijing treats the rivalry as a long war and has spent more than five years systematically building capacity to withstand US pressure. Alongside immediate countermeasures, its long-term response rests on dual circulation, scientific and technological self-reliance, new quality productive forces and a wider circle of friendly states. The medium-term aim is to build domestic industries and supply chains resilient enough to absorb external shocks and to prepare for possible decoupling. Externally, China tries to exploit gaps between Washington, its allies and developing countries and to fill spaces the US leaves in international forums. Through Made in China 2025 and a new whole-nation system, it has raised self-reliance in chips, AI and other advanced fields to a national strategy.