Documentary Explores US-China Rivalry, Citing Trump Advisor's Stark Warning

A new documentary, "Strijd der supermachten – Amerika vs China" (Struggle of Superpowers – America vs China), offers a deep dive into the geopolitical relationship between the United States and China, tracing its evolution from trade disagreements to bitter rivalry. The two-part VPRO production features a compelling lineup of high-profile speakers, including Boris Johnson and Nancy Pelosi, alongside top advisors and Chinese government officials.

The film frames the current animosity as a culmination of shifting perceptions and policies. In 2017, hardline "China hawks" reportedly gained the upper hand over negotiators, with then-President Donald Trump at the forefront. Trump's campaign rhetoric, including the statement "China is raping our country," set a confrontational tone. The documentary suggests that initial US hopes from the 1990s, which predicted that free markets would lead to China's democratization and mutual economic prosperity, had evaporated by 2017.

"Strijd der supermachten" emphasizes the impact of the Trump administration's policies, particularly the imposition of import tariffs. Robert Lighthizer, the US Trade Representative, is quoted questioning the alternative: "What was the alternative? That we teach our children Chinese and tell them they have to live in slavery?" This confrontational approach, the documentary implies, marked a significant ideological clash that continued under the Biden administration and saw a return to trade wars under Trump.

The film also touches upon the "Trump vortex," a phenomenon where his presence seems to dominate any narrative. Interviewees reportedly describe Trump's disruptive impact on the international order. Former National Security Advisor John Bolton is cited suggesting Trump valued his personal relationship with Xi Jinping over the plight of the Uyghurs. Meanwhile, China continues its own course, navigating what the documentary calls "stormy seas" with a clear objective.

However, the documentary is noted for its focus on American political discourse, leaving China somewhat opaque. Xi Jinping is described as a "black box," and the film is criticized for not delving deeper into China's soft power and cultural influence. Despite this, the film provides a retrospective look at a critical period, with speakers reflecting on past decisions and their consequences.

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What was the alternative? That we teach our children Chinese and tell them they have to live in slavery?