And this is more complicated, more complex and potentially more dangerous.
And I dont think America fully understands that.
The Soviet Union just didnt have the heft that China has.
CBS News
To what extent do you think that was undermined when President Bidenreferred to Xi Jinpingas a dictator?
BRENNAN: I remember looking at them going, Oh.
I think theres always the public posturing that happens, and certainly you see that in Chinese propaganda.
And now its just about managing it.
So it is not like the United States and China are going to be friends and allies here.
Its not that it isnt factually correct in terms of the increasingly authoritarian nature of the Chinese state.
I think the United States and China are adversaries.
DEADLINE: How different are press restrictions compared to previous trips you have taken to China?
I interviewed an American CEO of a health care company [who] founded seven different hospitals in China.
…Thats why this is such a complex, complicated relationship because of our economies being so intertwined.
DEADLINE: What happens if the U.S. bans TikTok?Wouldnt that be an escalation of anti-Chinese rhetoric?
BRENNAN: Theres also that risk of the Chinese government miscalculating.
American policymakers [are trying to gauge] whats happening in the inner circle in China.
Theyre trying to gauge in Xi Jinpings office what is happening in American politics.
Do they misread the noise and take it seriously, the increased drumbeat?
So that is a risk as well.
Weve been hearing about TikTok for years and the national security risks that it poses.
The United States government hasnt acted on it.
The Trump administration did venture to force a change that got locked up in the courts.
The Biden administration is trying to consider what is possible in terms of a ban.
…You even see U.S. senators using the app.
DEADLINE: What have you learned about interviewing diplomats likeTony Blinken.
They speak very cautiously.
BRENNAN: For diplomats, words matter to the extreme, because there is such risk in being misunderstood.
… And that is why they speak as carefully as they do.
DEADLINE: What concerns do you have about the U.S. media presence in China?
That firsthand experience is so important.
This came up in my conversations with American diplomats, that they are actually pressing for this.
DEADLINE: Kristen Welker will be taking over NBC NewssMeet the Pressthis fall.
BRENNAN: Its wonderful to see more women in that position on Sunday mornings.
Shannon Bream over on Fox recently stepped into that role.
Dana Bash is often on Sundays, though she shares airtime with Jake Tapper.
Martha Raddatz is in that rotation as well [on ABC NewsThis Week].
I think representation certainly matters, and I think we are beyond having to prove ourselves in that job.
So I think its great.
