On July 17th, the third day of the Republican National Convention (RNC) held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, various high-profile speakers discussed topics related to foreign policy, military, and border issues. The theme of the day was “Making America Strong Again,” with many acknowledging the weakening and threats posed by China (CCP) to the United States.
Federal Senator JD Vance from Ohio officially accepted the vice presidential nomination on Wednesday evening at the RNC meeting. Republicans hope Vance can help attract key swing state voters, fight alongside former President Trump, and secure victory in the November election. Vance maintains a strong stance on various issues, especially concerning China (CCP).
During his speech on Wednesday night, Vance criticized the Most Favored Nation trade agreement that the US has given to Communist China since 2001, stating that it “destroyed more good middle-class job opportunities.” He called on American voters to reelect President Trump, emphasizing that Trump’s policies would protect American jobs and counter China’s economic encroachment.
Vance also expressed his pain over China’s fentanyl drug exports to the US, as his own mother struggled with addiction for years, making his childhood exceptionally challenging. These experiences were detailed in his memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy,” which became a bestseller in 2020 and was successfully adapted into a film.
In her speech at the RNC on Wednesday, Federal Representative Nancy Mace stated that the US needed to demonstrate strength rather than weakness when dealing with Communist China. She believed that former President Trump could project this strength overseas to deter adversaries.
Mace highlighted the importance of having a powerful leader to confront China’s oppression of its people and its support of adversarial countries like Russia and Iran. She emphasized the need for American resilience and readiness to face challenges.
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich also addressed the RNC on Wednesday, highlighting China’s various tactics to undermine the US and form alliances with dictatorial nations like Iran and Russia to weaken American power. He praised President Trump’s diplomatic strategy of “peace through strength” and urged voters to support him in the upcoming election to keep America safe and strong.
As the polarization of US politics intensifies, both parties generally hold a firm anti-Communist stance. It is widely believed that regardless of the outcome of the November election, US policy towards China is unlikely to change significantly. If any distinctions arise, they would likely be in the methods employed by Biden and Trump.
Biden, during his presidency so far, has largely continued Trump’s policies towards China, imposing tariffs on Chinese imports and strategically escalating pressure on Beijing’s technological advancements. He has shown a mix of alliance-building and dialogue with China, aiming to ease tensions while maintaining a tough stance when necessary. Both Biden and Trump have taken a strong stance against Communist China regarding Taiwan, with clear commitments to defend the island in case of unwarranted aggression.