This work will explore the applicability of time as a critical factor in the exercising the elements of national power, specifically the differences in how the concept of time is applied by the United States and China. This work will discuss diplomatic, information, military and economic aspects of time, and examine if time plays a critical role in each element of national power. During analysis of the military element of power, a specific question for exploration is, does time serve as a domain of warfare such as the current domains of land, air, maritime, space and cyber? How does time in the Chinese strategic mindset relate to Ancient Chinese Strategems as and how are they in use today against the United States? This work will describe some basics in framing an understanding of Judeo-Christian and Taoist thought, drawing from a scientific viewpoint of time as well as writings that support the need for American strategists to understand Chinese thought as it pertains in a potential future conflict between China and the United States.