His policies toward China would likely be more confrontational, focused on aggressive economic and strategic measures. Here’s an overview of potential changes:
Tariffs and Trade: Trump previously emphasized tariffs on Chinese goods, a practice he could intensify with proposed tariffs as high as 60% on certain imports. This escalation in trade restrictions could aim to further “decouple” the U.S. and Chinese economies, reducing reliance on Chinese manufacturing and potentially shifting U.S. supply chains to other countries
HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL
HOBART AND WILLIAM SMITH COLLEGES
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Export Controls and Technology: Trump could expand export controls to restrict China’s access to critical U.S. technologies, particularly in areas like semiconductors, AI, and telecommunications. By limiting Chinese tech advancement, Trump’s administration might seek to maintain U.S. leadership in these fields, challenging China’s long-term technology goals
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Diplomatic and Military Policy: Trump’s foreign policy approach is known for its unpredictability and directness. Biden’s administration has emphasized structured dialogues with China, focusing on cooperative efforts in certain areas, but Trump’s approach could weaken or eliminate these channels. This might include scaling back diplomatic engagements and increasing support for Taiwan, which could further strain U.S.-China relations. Trump has generally viewed China as a strategic competitor, and a second term could see an expansion of U.S. military presence in the Indo-Pacific to counter China’s regional influence
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Human Rights and Sanctions: Trump may also renew or increase sanctions on Chinese officials and entities associated with human rights abuses in regions like Xinjiang and Hong Kong, reflecting his administration's tough stance in these areas during his first term.
In summary, a Trump re-election would likely mean heightened economic restrictions, stricter technology controls, less diplomatic engagement, and a more assertive military stance—all adding to a more contentious U.S.-China relationship.