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.