Ben Scott is director, Australia's security and the rules-based order project at the Lowy Institute.
Unlike previous great power contests, competition between the U.S. and China is being waged through, and over the content of, international rules.
Opinion
International rules make U.S.-China conflict more likely
Cross-border principles governing conduct only exist if they are accepted by states
The recent surge in Chinese jets entering Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone has underscored the need for a working hotline between Washington and Beijing. © AP
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