Previously published on August 9, 2024 in
What China Policy Will Emerge After The Election?
Kamala Harris and Donald Trump offer vastly different visions for the country and government policy, but when it comes to China trade and investing, their similarities are striking. Both show every indication of sustaining, if not intensifying the existing adversarial tone. There will be differences in the tactics and tone, but not the underlying positions.
Trump, of course, is famous for hammering China during his time in office. He imposed tariffs and made harsh demands for policy changes in Beijing. In the present campaign, he has made it clear that he intends to continue along these lines should he win another term in office. Harris has shown every indication of continuing Biden’s policies. She might deviate, but given her limited experience with both foreign affairs and economics, it is probable that Biden’s posture will continue. And Biden, though he criticized Trump heavily during they 2020 campaign, has since exaggerated the hostility that Trump had shown.
