When Chinese diplomats began burning documents in the backyard of their Houston consulate after the United States demanded its closure over allegations of espionage, it echoed a scene that unfolded in California a few years ago.
Then, in September 2017, Russian diplomats in San Francisco burned documents before their deportation – also for allegations of espionage.
In three years, China replaced Russia as America’s greatest perceived adversary.Although it was Russia that launched the most direct challenge to the West-dominated international order with its annexation of Crimea in 2014, the Trump administration has since focused on China as its greatest threat. , from commerce to technology to military affairs.