
Face-Off: The U.S. vs China The New Cold Wars: A Conversation with David Sanger
Oct 1, 2024
David Sanger, a national security correspondent for The New York Times and author of 'New Cold Wars,' dives deep into the evolving tensions between the U.S., China, and Russia. He expresses concerns about the burgeoning alliance between China and Russia and its implications for global stability. The discussion touches on nuclear threats and espionage, the imbalance in student exchanges, and the strategic significance of the AUKUS pact. Sanger offers insights into the complexities of U.S.-China relations and the looming dangers ahead.
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Misjudging Post-Cold War World
- The West misjudged China and Russia's trajectories after the Cold War, expecting integration into a Western system.
- China and Russia instead pursued repression and territorial ambitions, complicating global security.
China's Nuclear Stance Uncertain
- China publicly opposed nuclear weapon use in Ukraine in 2022 but may not do so today given changing strategic interests.
- The possibility of China influencing Russia to refrain from nuclear weapon use remains uncertain.
Stalled U.S.-China Nuclear Talks
- U.S.-China talks on nuclear safety and AI weapons cooperation began but quickly stalled due to Chinese concerns.
- China fears these talks are a backdoor for U.S. constraints on their nuclear arsenal.





