JD Vance, Donald Trump’s running mate, stated in a media interview that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is the “biggest threat” to the United States. Vance emphasized that if elected, a Trump administration would take a hawkish stance towards Beijing.
During an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity on Monday, Vance, a senator from Ohio, made the above remarks. On the same day, Trump officially announced Vance as his vice presidential pick at the Republican National Convention.
When asked about the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Vance mentioned that Trump would negotiate with Moscow and Kyiv to “quickly end this war and allow the United States to focus on the real issue, which is China (CCP).”
Vance stated, “This is the biggest threat our country faces, and yet we are completely distracted.”
In the current U.S. presidential election, both Trump and Biden have shown a tough stance towards the CCP. Trump promised that if re-elected, he would significantly increase tariffs on China, advocating for a 60% tariff on all Chinese imports. A recent study by UBS Group AG indicates that a 60% tariff would reduce China’s economic growth rate by over half.
Meanwhile, Biden has announced an increase in tariffs on a range of Chinese goods, including imposing a 100% tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles.
It is widely believed that Vance is ideologically aligned with Trump.
Vance, 39, prior to running for senator in 2022, was a venture capitalist, political commentator, and the bestselling author of the memoir “Hillbilly Elegy.”
Growing up in Middletown, a small impoverished town in southern Ohio within the vast “Rust Belt,” Vance witnessed the devastating impact of the economic downturn on the working class in America.
With his background from Ohio and understanding of blue-collar voters, Vance’s advantage could potentially help the Republican Party win several key battleground states.
This is not Vance’s first time criticizing the CCP. He has previously called for imposing “broad-based tariffs” on Chinese imports and advocated for bringing manufacturing back to the U.S. to reduce dependence on China.
During Monday’s interview, Vance recounted Trump’s words to him over the phone.
Vance remembered Trump saying, “I think we need to save this country. I think you are the person who can help me govern, help me win, and help me in key Midwest states like Pennsylvania and Michigan.”
Vance mentioned that since Trump supported him in 2022, aiding him in successfully obtaining the senator position, the two have shared a deep trust.
“If it weren’t for Trump’s support, I wouldn’t have won that election. Since then, the president’s trust and our partnership have been something I highly value,” Vance stated.
During the interview on Monday, Vance admitted to having had prejudices against Trump in the past due to “lies and distortions in the media,” but after Trump took office in 2016, his opinion of him completely changed.
In the past, Vance had criticized Trump, even likening him to “America’s Hitler.”
Vance told the host, “Sean, if you look back at my thoughts in 2016, you’ll find something else – I believed the lies and distortions in the media.”
“President Trump did exceptionally well. When you wrongly accuse someone, you should admit your mistake, admit you were wrong. In fact, I think it’s a good thing,” Vance said.