When the Clinton administration first came to power, I supported putting conditions on China's Most Favored Nation trading status. Then the effectiveness of that policy failed, since a unified position with the European Union and Japan did not emerge. Without such a unified position, I think it is difficult to really have any effect on China. Then without much effect on China, American relations with China eventually become more confrontational. That also is not healthy.
Confrontation only has some real effect through force.
That is something different. So there is either friendly and gentle persuasion, or the extreme use of a show of force, such as sending the aircraft carriers to show protection of Taiwan's election. But between the two, I think there's not much use. Here we need a lot of wisdom about how far you can apply pressure while staying connected. There must be a delicate balance, keeping good relations by maintaining a friendly manner, and, at the same time, showing real strength in certain crucial matters.