Date of Submission

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in National Security

Department

National Security

Advisor

Steven M. Sherman, M.S.

Keywords

US-China Relations, Diplomacy, Cyber Attacks, U.S. National Security, Cyber Deterrence, Cyber Espionage Treaty

LCSH

Cyber intelligence (Computer security), Foreign relations, Diplomacy, Cyberterrorism

Abstract

This thesis explores cyber incident trends and its effects on conflict resolution of interstate relationships between the U.S. and China. Key findings of this research discovered that the U.S. relies on diplomatic negotiations to resolve cyber conflicts and does not utilize an aggressive approach within the cyber domain. China, on the other hand, has aggressively expanded its cyber capabilities. They leverage cyber attacks to promote their technology, military, and economy sectors, while undermining the U.S.’ global status as a political leader and innovator. China’s dominance in cyberspace poses a great threat to the national security of the U.S. Through descriptive statistics and bar graph visualizations, I discovered that the success rate of cyber attacks conducted by the U.S. and China are fairly high. The COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022) also contributed to an increase in cyber incidents, revealing the vulnerabilities in the U.S. healthcare sector. China launched targeted attacks to exfiltrate COVID-19 vaccine research and steal money from U.S. stimulus checks awarded to U.S citizens and small businesses. Defense against cyber attacks is not enough for absolute deterrence. Cyber space creates an opportunity for U.S. enemies to pursue a low-cost option during times of peace to accomplish their national interests. It is imperative for the U.S to build a fearsome reputation in the cyber domain, as it has achieved politically and militarily. Efforts must be revitalized to negotiate a cyber espionage treaty with China, reduce tensions, and provide a gateway to peace in cyberspace.

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