May 05, 2026
How the War with Iran Is Shaping U.S.-Chinese Competition
This article was originally published in War on the Rocks.
The Iran war is consuming American attention and military power, diverting both from focusing on China. The United States is rapidly expending precious munitions and operational readiness, and has transferred some troops and equipment away from East Asia — tipping the region’s military balance toward China. Meanwhile, resentment festers among U.S. allies who have to deal with the fallout but were not consulted about the war.
The war also gives Beijing an opportunity to court developing countries.
Read the full article in War on the Rocks.
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