USA's Strategic Overtures to China
Donald Trump’s initial gestures towards China, such as inviting Xi Jinping to his inauguration and the TikTok concession, seem contradictory to his anti-China campaign rhetoric. A closer examination reveals a strategic attempt to achieve what Joe Biden couldn’t.
TikTok Negotiations
- The TikTok concession is a continuation of Trump's 2020 order to restrict its operations unless a U.S. entity acquires it.
- China responded by labeling the move as a "bullying" tactic and updated its export control rules, creating regulatory hurdles.
- Trump's extension to TikTok is a strategic pressure tactic disguised as a concession.
China's Influence on Russia-Ukraine Conflict
- Trump is urging China to use its influence with Russia to end the Ukraine conflict, a task the Biden administration failed at.
- The G7 concluded that China was enabling Russia in its conflict with Ukraine.
- Trump renewed efforts by discussing this with Xi Jinping.
Denuclearization Efforts
- Trump called for China to join US-Russia denuclearization efforts, despite China having a smaller nuclear arsenal.
- China may consider expanding its arsenal due to Taiwan issues and broader security ambitions.
America First Trade Policy
- Trump's trade policy includes a 5-point section on China, involving:
- Reviewing the economic and trade agreement.
- Considering additional tariffs on industrial supply chains.
- Investigating China's potentially discriminatory practices.
- Assessing legislative proposals on trade relations.
- Reviewing US intellectual property rights for Chinese citizens.
Implications for India
- Trump's interactions with China could shape US-China dynamics and affect Quad's agenda and security risks in the region.
- India has a strategic opportunity to engage with the evolving Trump administration.