Paranoia about China could push the United States toward unwarranted belief that conflict and even war with the PRC is inescapable. In fact, China is just another aspiring country despite its size and historical baggage, and economic forces are at work that will slow its rise and perhaps reverse it. Beijing’s emergence as a peer military competitor appears doomed by a variety of domestic and technological factors. At best it seems destined to be a regional power; thus it needs be neither an adversary nor partner. Yet various shared interests call for engagement, which Washington should pursue without trepidation, seeking its “traditional” interest in maintaining the balance of power in Asia and working to reduce tensions. Conflict is not inevitable