Donald Trump’s pick of JD Vance as his Republican vice-presidential running mate could mean an increasingly hawkish stance on China if the former United States president is re-elected, analysts told CNA.
“There’s a bipartisan consensus about muscling up to a rising power in China, and Vance wants to counter China’s growing technological and economic prowess,” said Tom Switzer, executive director of Australian think tank Centre for Independent Studies.
Vance, a junior senator from Ohio, called China the “biggest threat” to America in an interview shortly after his selection on Monday (Jul 15).
This falls in line with Trump’s – and even many Democrats’ – belief that China’s rise as the world’s factory has ruined the US’ manufacturing sector.
Switzer noted that many Republicans have gradually shifted their focus from Europe to Asia, and are intent on coordinating the efforts of those opposed to China’s ambitions to stand up collectively to Beijing.
“That supports tougher anti-China measures, including a trade and high-tech war, the development of closer relations with Taiwan, and the repudiation of Beijing’s claim that most of the South China Sea is in its maritime territory,” Switzer told CNA’s Asia First programme.
Beijing has responded to Vance’s comments that it is “always opposed to the US making China an issue in elections”.
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