Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks highlighted four key lessons for success in the U.S. strategic competition with China during her keynote address at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies in Washington. Titled “Outpacing the PRC: Lessons Learned for Strategic Competition,” Hicks’ speech emphasized focus, execution, leveraging strengths, and careful communication as essential for maintaining an edge over China.
Hicks underscored that “competition” doesn’t equate to “conflict,” stressing the need to deter aggression and avoid unnecessary provocations. “We want China’s leadership to wake up every day and think, ‘Today is not the day,’” she said, referring to the importance of maintaining readiness while discouraging escalation.
On staying focused, Hicks noted that tracking China’s military ambitions is a decades-long effort. She emphasized the importance of aligning strategy, resources, and actions to stay ahead and drive necessary changes.
Execution, she said, is key to preserving military superiority. Hicks highlighted modernized capabilities and a more agile force as proof of progress but warned against underestimating China’s rapid adaptation through intellectual property theft.
Hicks also pointed to America’s global alliances as a critical advantage. “When Beijing sees ships from Canada or Germany peacefully navigating the Taiwan Strait, it’s a reminder that America isn’t alone in defending stability,” she said.
She urged the audience to consider how actions and words might influence China’s perceptions, emphasizing the need to deter without provoking. “Conflict isn’t inevitable, but we must be ready to prevent it,” she said.
With her tenure concluding in 10 days, Hicks praised the progress made and encouraged future leaders to build on that foundation. “I’ll be rooting for those who continue to stand the watch,” she concluded.
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