Key Figures Influencing Trump’s Approach to China and Bilateral Relations

Handshake with China and USA flag sleeves.

Trump’s new China policy architects, Rubio and Waltz, signal a seismic shift in U.S.-China relations, but questions remain about the potential impact on global stability.

At a Glance

Marco Rubio and Mike Waltz appointed as Secretary of State and National Security Adviser, respectively, in Trump’s administration
Both are known China hawks, advocating for a tougher stance against the Chinese Communist Party
Their focus includes human rights, supply chain security, and countering CCP influence and espionage
Appointments signal a potential existential fight with China, diverging from current U.S. policy
Concerns arise about the impact on global stability and U.S.-China relations

Trump’s New China Policy Architects

In a bold move that signals a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State and Representative Mike Waltz as National Security Adviser. Both Rubio and Waltz are known for their hawkish stance on China, indicating a potentially more confrontational approach to U.S.-China relations in the upcoming Trump administration.

Rubio and Waltz have been vocal critics of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and have consistently advocated for a tougher U.S. policy towards China. Their appointments suggest that the Trump administration is preparing for what some analysts describe as an “existential fight” with China, marking a departure from the current Biden administration’s approach of balancing competition with dialogue.

Donald Trump has appointed China hawk Mike Waltz as his national security adviser, and is reportedly planning to select Marco Rubio as his secretary of state.

This is a clear signal that Trump is planning to escalate the US's New Cold War against China, and potentially move… pic.twitter.com/cGvFja7wMl

— Carlos (@agent_of_change) November 12, 2024

Rubio’s China Policy Framework

Marco Rubio’s China policy framework is expected to focus on three main areas: improving human rights in China, limiting the CCP’s access to U.S. technology and capital, and countering CCP influence and espionage in the United States. Rubio has been instrumental in enacting significant U.S. laws addressing human rights abuses in China, including legislation targeting the Uyghur genocide and the erosion of democracy in Hong Kong.

“Marco is smart. He cares about foreign policy. He cares about standing up to communists, especially in Cuba. He cares about standing up to communists in China.” – Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas)

Rubio has also been at the forefront of efforts to secure U.S. supply chains against China’s industrial ambitions. He has opposed partnerships between U.S. companies and Chinese firms, such as Ford’s collaboration with CATL, and has introduced legislation like the SPACE Act to ban Chinese goods from U.S. supply chains.

Waltz’s Focus on Maritime Policy and Supply Chain Independence

Mike Waltz, as the incoming National Security Adviser, has placed significant emphasis on maritime policy and boosting U.S. shipping infrastructure. He has expressed concern over the downsizing of the U.S. Navy and has been a strong advocate for U.S. supply chain independence, particularly in critical minerals. Waltz has introduced legislation to boost domestic production of these vital resources.

“Under the leadership of President Trump, we will deliver peace through strength and always put the interests of Americans and America above all else.” – Sen. Marco Rubio

In addition to his focus on supply chain security, Waltz has been active in countering Chinese influence in various sectors. He has called for a boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing and introduced bills to ban business partners of the Beijing Games from U.S. government contracts. Waltz has also been a strong proponent of measures to combat Chinese espionage, including legislation to ban federal funds for researchers participating in China’s Thousand Talents Program.

Implications for U.S.-China Relations

The appointment of Rubio and Waltz to key positions in the Trump administration signals a potential sea change in U.S.-China relations. Both officials advocate for increased U.S. deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region, with Rubio supporting arms sales to Taiwan and Waltz working to strengthen U.S.-India partnerships. This hawkish stance is likely to be viewed with concern by Chinese officials, who may interpret these appointments as evidence of U.S. hostility towards the Communist Party.

“Rubio in a speech last year said that the United States was already in a broad global conflict with China, which \”doesn’t just seek to be the most powerful nation in the world, they seek to reorient the world.\”” – Rubio

While the Trump administration’s approach to China under Rubio and Waltz is expected to be more confrontational, it remains to be seen how this will play out in practice. Trump’s history of emphasizing dealmaking and his past boasts about his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping may introduce an element of unpredictability to the equation. As the world watches closely, the impact of this new direction in U.S. foreign policy on global stability and international relations remains to be seen.