What approach is typically used by China and the US's competitors?

The approach that is typically employed by China and the US's competitors is characterized as "activity below the armed threshold." This concept refers to actions taken by state actors that do not escalate to traditional military conflict but are still aggressive in nature. Such activities include cyber warfare, economic coercion, espionage, and other forms of non-kinetic engagement.

This strategy allows countries to pursue their interests and assert their influence without provoking a direct military response or escalating to armed conflict, which can be risky and costly. By engaging in actions that fall beneath the threshold of conventional warfare, competitors can effectively challenge their opposition while managing the risk of widespread retaliation or escalation to higher levels of conflict.

In contrast, options like direct conflict or armed intervention represent more overt and escalatory actions typically seen when diplomatic solutions fail, while diplomatic negotiations involve a commitment to dialogue aimed at resolving disputes peacefully. The choice of engaging in activities below the armed threshold showcases a strategic calculation aimed at maximizing influence while minimizing risks associated with more aggressive tactics.