The strategic rivalry between the United States and China, two global superpowers, has been a focal point of international politics, shaping the economic and military contours of the 21st century. Donald Trump, during his tenure as President, vowed to counter China’s ascendant trajectory, accusing it of unfair trade practices and intellectual property theft, and implemented tariffs on a broad spectrum of Chinese goods. This move marked a significant shift in US policy towards China, aiming to rebalance trade discrepancies and bring manufacturing jobs back to American soil. However, the narrative took an unexpected turn with the election of President Joe Biden.
Contrary to expectations that the Biden administration might roll back Trump’s policies, it not only maintained the existing tariffs but also intensified the pressure on China. The administration’s approach included stringent export controls on US high-tech products, notably advanced semiconductors critical for AI platforms and military applications. Michele Geraci, a professor at NYU Shanghai, highlighted that Biden’s strategy transcends mere trade rebalancing, positioning the containment of China as a broader philosophical and political issue.
Despite the economic repercussions of tariffs, including job losses within the US as indicated by studies from the US-China Business Council, Biden’s stance has encountered minimal criticism compared to his predecessor. The political landscape appears to be such that removing tariffs on China could be construed as a sign of weakness. This perspective was echoed by Antonio Fatas, a professor at INSEAD Business School, who suggested that Biden opted to maintain tariffs based on political calculations.
Trump’s unilateral measures were driven by a belief that America’s allies did not share his administration’s sense of urgency regarding China’s threat or were too sluggish in their response. However, Biden’s tenure has seen a shift towards a more multilateral approach, especially concerning the Taiwan issue. Biden’s assertion that the US military would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion, coupled with efforts to rally support from US allies, underscores a collective strategy to counter China’s influence.
David Sacks, a fellow for Asia studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, pointed out that Biden’s strategy signifies a closer alignment with both the European Union and Asian allies, marking a departure from the unilateral actions characteristic of Trump’s administration. This multilateral stance not only amplifies the pressure on China but also underscores the complexities of the geopolitical chessboard, where alliances and partnerships play a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of power.
In essence, Biden’s policy evolution from Trump’s initial stance represents a heightened strategic contest with China, intertwining economic measures with broader geopolitical and philosophical dimensions. The continuation and escalation of pressure on China under Biden’s administration reflect a complex interplay of political strategy, economic interests, and global alliances, shaping the future trajectory of US-China relations.
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