Hoover InstitutionStanford University
Changing the Narrative between America and China

Published January 18, 2022

China depicts itself as a land of peace and prosperity, but the narrative it tells is far from the truth. Under President Xi Jinping, China has intimidated, bullied, and threatened many countries, all while continuing to commit human rights atrocities. The United States can help uncover the true narrative by calling out these issues wherever they occur and by fostering free speech both within and about China.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What lies has China told about its actions both at home and abroad?
  2. Why is it important to shine a light on the truth of China’s actions?

Additional resources:

  • Read “The China Challenge: America as a Rising Power,” by Zachary Shore via Discourse. Available here.
  • Read “The China Challenge: Beijing Is Pursuing the Wrong Strategy in Its Bid to Win Allies,” by Zachary Shore via Discourse. Available here.
  • Watch “Managing the China Challenge,” with Larry Diamond, on PolicyEd. Available here.

Cast

Zachary Shore

Zachary Shore

Related

Articles

Two Kinds Of War: Ukraine, Gaza, And The Strategic Watershed

The 2025 National Security Strategy has ignited debates about several distinctive assertions, especially the choice of giving priority to the Western Hemisphere, thereby correcting the insufficient attention Washington has long paid to Latin America. In addition, the document may indicate a softening of the perception of China, and it repeats the appeal to European allies to do more for their own defense. Of particular note, furthermore, is the identification of culture as a dimension of security.

October 23, 2026

Articles

Trump’s Capitulation To Putin Is Undermining US National Security

The president’s admiration for the Russian dictator erodes American interests and values.

October 23, 2026

Articles

Who Needs The Bomb?

The Purpose of Nuclear Deterrence.

October 20, 2026