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How to stop a war between America and China

The US has pushed for ‘guardrails’ to prevent an accidental conflict, but China is not keen

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Many influential people seem to think that a US-China war is not only possible, but probable.

Many influential people seem to think that a US-China war is not only possible, but probable.

PHOTO: REUTERS

Gideon Rachman

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Visiting Washington last week, it was striking how commonplace talk of war between the United States and China has become. That discussion has been fed by loose-lipped statements from American generals musing about potential dates for the opening of hostilities.

Those comments, while unwise, did not spring from nowhere. They are a reflection of the broader discussion on China taking place in Washington – inside and outside the government. Many influential people seem to think that a US-China war is not only possible, but probable.

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