T he quiet release of the US National Security Strategy has triggered a wave of debate across the Chinese internet. The document is being framed as a fresh iteration of America First that steps back from Indo-Pacific security, alliance-building, and network-based approaches. In Chinese analysis, the NSS marks a broader recalibration of Washington’s global strategy, hinting at a shift in its approach to Russia and a reshaping of future military and diplomatic priorities.

On Weibo, discussion has coalesced under the hashtag “the US will not allow any country to become too powerful”, underscoring the extent to which the NSS is interpreted through the lens of US–China rivalry.

America First rhetoric

Diao Daming, professor at the School of International Studies at Renmin University, ar

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