In contrast to offensive realism, defensive realism offers a more optimistic story about China’s rise. For sure, defensive realists recognize that the international system creates strong incentives for states to want additional increments of power to ensure their survival. A mighty China will be no exception, It will look for opportunities to shift the balance of power in its favour. More over, both the USA and China’s neighbours will have to balance against China to keep it in check. Security competition will not disappear altogether from Asia as China grows more powerful. Defensive realists are not starry-eyed idealist.