Great Decisions is America's largest discussion program on world affairs. It is done by the Foreign Policy Association. For more information and to order a booklet go to www.fpa.org

Washington’s relations with Beijing have reached an ominous low ebb. Both American political parties have identified China as the country’s preeminent geopolitical challenger and, in the eyes of many, a systemic threat. What is driving this deterioration of Sino-American relations, and what are America’s strategic options in the face of Chinese power and ambition?