For ten years, discussions surrounding foreign policy have frequently predicted a war between the United States and China, framing it as an almost unavoidable outcome. This concept is rooted in the “Thucydides Trap,” a theory drawn from ancient Greece suggesting that conflict is predetermined when a rising power challenges an established one. The theory has become commonplace in analyses of US-China relations, often used to dismiss tensions as simply “inevitable.” However, recent discourse questions this deterministic view. The article suggests framing current frictions as unavoidable overlooks the complexities of the relationship. This framing downplays the potential for diplomatic solutions and proactive management of the dynamic between Washington and Beijing. Ultimately, the narrative challenges the widely held belief that conflict is the only possible future for US-China relations.