The elected president of the United States, Donald Trump, plans to appoint two men with a history of strong criticisms of China to key positions in his administration. This is seen as a sign that ties between these two superpowers could deteriorate even further in the coming years.
Senator Marco Rubio, known for his aggressive stance on China's rise as an economic power, will become the first acting Secretary of State who has been sanctioned by Beijing. Meanwhile, Florida Representative Mike Waltz is lined up to become national security advisor and stated in 2021 that the United States was in 'a Cold War with the Chinese Communist Party.'
Elise Stefanik, nominated by Trump as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, has also spoken out about China, prioritizing countering the economic and national security threats posed by the Chinese government. These appointments reflect a tough stance on China that could influence the bilateral relationship during Trump's next term.
After Trump threatened to impose a 60% tariff on Chinese goods during his campaign, economists warn that this could negatively impact trade between the two economies, affecting Beijing at a time when it seeks to revive its economy with stimuli. Neil Thomas, a researcher on Chinese politics, warns that this selection of officials critical of China could raise concerns in the Chinese government and increase bilateral tensions.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping has already congratulated Trump on his return to the White House, showing interest in maintaining cordiality between the two countries. However, concerns about the future of the relationship between China and the U.S. are reflected in the market, with Chinese stocks falling in Hong Kong in response to these appointments. Xi is expected to meet with outgoing President Joe Biden in the coming days, which will give Beijing the opportunity to convey some message to the next administration.
The appointment of Elon Musk, known for his business interests in China, as part of Trump’s inner circle could offer a more moderate perspective on China policy. Musk has maintained stable business relations in China and has regular interactions with high leaders from the Asian country. Experts see this as a possible counterbalance to the hardline taken by other officials in the Trump administration regarding China.
