It’s no secret that Trump views the world differently to Biden, and could drastically shift US foreign policy over the next few years.
One clear theme that’s emerged in recent days is the prominence of China hawks in his proposed team – those who believe Beijing poses a serious threat to US economic and military dominance and want to challenge this more forcefully.
And they are present from the top down.
His nomination for secretary of state – America’s most senior diplomat – Marco Rubio, has described China as the “most advanced adversary America has ever faced”.
Mike Waltz, his national security adviser, has said the US is in a “cold war” with China. Other nominees such as his proposed ambassador to the UN, Elise Stefanik, have directly accused China of election interference.
During Trump’s first administration, relations with Beijing were tense, and they barely warmed under Biden. With tariffs, export controls and pointed rhetoric, the president-elect appears ready to take an even tougher stance this time around.
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