Isaac Stone Fish, CEO of Strategy Risks, warns that U.S. allies risk falling into China’s “economic relationship trap” when they try to balance ties with Beijing without recognizing the geopolitical leverage China gains through trade. He argues that this approach subtly pressures allied countries—and the U.S. itself—because economic dependency gives China diplomatic and strategic influence. In short, relying on China for economic growth can undercut national security and tilt global power toward Beijing. let me know if you’d like a deeper dive or specific examples included.