So, is a US v. China war now inevitable?

at there might be someday, and some day soon, war between the United States and China has been a topic of discussion among analysts and policymakers for years. While some argue that economic interdependence between the two countries and the costs of a potential war make such a con ict unlikely, others point to the rising tensions over issues such as trade, human rights, and territorial disputes as evidence of a potential conict.

e US and China have a complex relationship that is characterised by both cooperation and competition. On the one hand, the two countries have signi cant economic ties, with China being the largest trading partner of the US. On the other hand, there are also signi cant tensions between the two countries, particularly over issues such as trade, intellectual property, and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. In recent years, these tensions have intensi ed, with the US taking a more confrontational stance towards China. is has included measures such as tari s on Chinese imports, restrictions on Chinese technology companies, and increased military presence in the Asia-Paci c region. China has responded in kind, with increased military assertiveness in the South China Sea and other areas, as well as ef- forts to expand its economic and political in uence around the world. e most likely countries to be directly involved in such a con ict would be those with close ties to either the US or China, or those with strategic interests in the Asia-Paci c region.

A war between the US and China would have signi cant implications for other countries in the region and beyond.

For example, Japan and South Korea are close allies of the US and would likely be involved in any con ict between the US and China. Taiwan, which China considers a renegade province, would also be a potential ashpoint for conict. Other countries in the region, such as Vietnam and the Philippines, have ongoing ter- ritorial disputes with China in the South China Sea and could be drawn into any con ict. ere are several potential scenarios that could lead to a war between the United States and China. One possibility is a direct military con ict over a speci c issue, such as Taiwan or the South China Sea. Another possibility is an accidental escalation of tensions, such as a collision between US and Chinese military vessels in the South China Sea.

In addition, other major powers such as Russia and the European Union would likely be a ected by a con ict between the US and China, particularly in terms of economic and geopolitical consequences.

However, it is also possible that a con ict could be triggered by more indirect means, such as a cyber attack or economic sanctions. For example, if the US were to impose sanctions on China over human rights abuses in Xinjiang, China could respond by targeting US companies with cyber attacks or by increasing military pressure in the South China Sea.

A war between the United States and China would likely be a protracted and devastating con ict, with signi cant implications for both countries and the wider world. e exact course of the con ict would depend on the speci c circumstances and strategies employed by each side, but it is possible to outline a general scenario.

All that said, a war between the US and China is unlikely in the short to medium term.

Competition Rules

1. This competition is sponsored by The Kilkenny Observer

2. The prize will be a €100 voucher for Goods of Kilkenny

3. The closing date for entries is Friday, April 21st 2023 at 5.00pm

4. The winner will be chosen by an open draw held at the office of The Kilkenny Observer on Monday, April 24th 2023

5. The prize is non-transferable; no cash equivalents may be claimed.

6. All competition entries must be completed on the above form only.

7. The winner will be advised by phone / e-mail

8. After being notified, the name of the winner will be posted in the next edition of the Kilkenny Observer.

9. Entrants will be deemed to have accepted these rules and to have agreed to be bound by them when entering the competition.

10. The competition is not open to The Kilkenny Observer employees or their families.