The Biden Doctrine and China's response

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explain how China is reacting to U.S. foreign policy under President Biden (“The Biden Doctrine”). Using official statements and documents, this paper establishes that “authoritarianism versus democracy” has become the organizing principle of the Biden Doctrine, and that principle is supported by three “pillars”—alliances, multilateralism, and strategic risk reduction. The Biden Doctrine is focused on strengthening alliances and building multilateral partnerships that can provide a competitive edge against China, while also pursuing strategic risk reduction measures to contain competition to non-military areas, even as the United States steps up support for Taiwan. The Biden Doctrine has not been well-received in China, where it is viewed as an attempt at containment, and China has responded with stronger diplomatic rhetoric, increased military activity around Taiwan, strengthened partnerships with U.S. adversaries, and (albeit strained) efforts to maintain good relations with Europe. The paper concludes that the interplay between U.S. and Chinese foreign policies is increasing the risk of a new type of Cold War, especially over geographical flashpoints like Taiwan.