Former CrowdStrike CTO Dmitri Alperovitch believes the U.S. is already embroiled in a new Cold War with China, citing escalating cyberattacks, military maneuvers, and geopolitical tensions.
As tensions between the United States and China continue to escalate, experts are drawing parallels to the Cold War era. Former CrowdStrike CTO Dmitri Alperovitch, in an interview with Fox News, asserted that the U.S. is already in the midst of a "Cold War II" with China.
Alperovitch pointed to a surge in cyberattacks against the U.S. attributed to China, as well as increased military exercises and a growing arms race in the Asia-Pacific region. He believes that China is actively seeking to undermine U.S. technological dominance and global influence.
"We're seeing a very aggressive China that is very confident in its abilities and is willing to use its power to achieve its goals," Alperovitch said. "That's a recipe for conflict."
The ongoing trade dispute between the two countries, as well as China's support for Russia in its invasion of Ukraine, have further fueled tensions. The U.S. has accused China of unfair trade practices and intellectual property theft, while China has condemned U.S. sanctions and criticized its arms sales to Taiwan.
Adding to the concerns, China's military has undergone significant modernization in recent years, including the development of advanced weapons systems such as hypersonic missiles and stealth fighters. U.S. officials have expressed alarm over China's growing military capabilities and its potential to challenge U.S. dominance in the Asia-Pacific region.
In response, the U.S. has strengthened its military presence in the region and forged alliances with countries like Japan, South Korea, and Australia. The Biden administration has also made cybersecurity a top priority, investing in new technologies and increasing cooperation with allies to counter cyber threats from China.
While the parallels between the current situation and the Cold War are striking, it remains to be seen whether the two countries will ultimately enter into a full-blown conflict. Alperovitch believes that it is possible to avoid a military confrontation by managing tensions through diplomacy and dialogue.
"We need to find ways to cooperate on issues like climate change and nuclear proliferation," he said. "We need to find ways to reduce the risk of conflict."
However, he warns that the situation is becoming increasingly dangerous and that both sides need to be prepared for the possibility of a more serious escalation.
"We're entering a new era of competition with China," Alperovitch said. "It's going to be a long, complex, and potentially dangerous journey."
