Debt ceiling debate: A gift to China's grand strategy

The new Republican majority in the House of Representatives is sending very mixed signals on China. On the one hand it wants the American people to think it is taking action on the Chinese challenge to U.S. interests and global leadership. For example, in announcing the formation of a new House Select Committee on China, Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said "We need a whole-of-government approach... (to) ensure America is prepared to tackle the economic and security challenges posed by China. That sounds good, but on the other hand, Speaker McCarthy agreed to House rules that give a lot of leverage…