<p>Strategic competition is a reoccurring phrase in the foreign policy and national security community to describe the current relationship between the United States and China. However, strategic competition and the goals of such a competition are rarely defined. A clear definition of strategic competition is necessary to grasp its implications for the United States and the world. This is even more important as the strategic competition between the United States and China is complex. Applying complexity and systems theory to strategic competition, it is framed as an interaction between two complex systems in a complex international system. By drawing on the competencies of systemic wisdom, policymakers concerned with strategic competition can have a toolkit for better understanding the complexity of strategic competition. While complexity cannot be controlled nor put aside, working with the complex system dynamics of strategic competition can help the United States manage and succeed in strategic competition.</p>