An article in Foreign Policy warned that a Cold War between the United States and China could affect Americans' rights and freedoms. The article recalled the experience Americans lived during the Cold War with the Soviet Union.

The U.S. triumphed over its adversary by enshrining the principles of freedom rather than the tyranny that was engulfing the Soviets. This scenario should be replicated with China, he said. The escalation of tension with China over Taiwan does not necessarily have negative effects on American society domestically, he added.