The National Security Strategy launched by the Trump administration brings together several strands of defense and economic policy. Trade sits at the center of a strategy that appears to target China as a “strategic competitor” – though it is rarely mentioned by name – in three broad areas. These provide a roadmap for trade action by the administration in 2018. In terms of intellectual property (IP) China is flagged as “stealing” IP. Action on the USTR’s section 301 review of Chinese IP practices provides a tactical tool. Aggressive action there would run the risk of Chinese retaliation ...