Please look at the multiple choice question

[japanjapan]

7. Competition, they believe, _________ the national character than corrupt
it.

A. enforces B. confirms C. intensifies D. strengthens

It seems to me that C and D are more likely to be the answer.
but i do not know which is the one.

plz tell me the answer and why. thanks

[Francois]

D looks more natural to me.
(strong character => ok; intense character => ?)

FRC

[Tdol]

Shouldn't it be 'rather than'?

PS- I'd go for Francois' choice.

[MikeNewYork]

7. Competition, they believe, _________ the national character than corrupt
it.

A. enforces B. confirms C. intensifies D. strengthens

It seems to me that C and D are more likely to be the answer.
but i do not know which is the one.

plz tell me the answer and why. thanks

I agree with answer D and agree that the stem is incorrect.