This is apropos the article ‘The new cold war’ by Munir Akram (Oct 14). The term ‘cold war’ is a misnomer to describe the present day relationship between the United States and China.

Technically, the cold war was characterised by bi-polarity. The two superpowers (USA and USSR) entirely dominated their spheres of influence, besides a clash of two ideologies — capitalism and communism — where

the entire spectrum of power that included economy, culture, diplomacy and war was dictated by Washington and Moscow.

The superpowers’ rivalry also meant proxy wars which resulted in a colossal loss of men and material for both sides. The US lost about 58,000 troops in

their Vietnam war, while USSR suffered a loss of more than 15,000 men in Afghanistan. Almost every continent — even Antartica — was a conflict zone in their rivalry.

Although, there is no denying the fact that the heat is increasing between the US and China, their confrontation falls short of the trappings of a cold war.

Hyder Ali Abbasi

Shikarpur

Published in Dawn, October 22nd, 2018