Trump's Tough Talk on China Hints at Early Focus Shift

Expressing disappointment about the insufficient progress in stopping Russia’s assault on Ukraine, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need to redirect attention toward "our top strategic rival" -- China.

"I wouldn't downplay the significance of a war in Ukraine, but I believe that what’s unfolding with China holds greater importance for the world's future in the long run," Rubio stated to Fox News host Sean Hannity.

President Donald Trump's inner circle has long spoken of China as the arch-enemy, with some suggesting that ending the Ukraine war will free up resources to counter Beijing -- especially if it seeks to move on Taiwan.

Yet more than 100 days into Trump's term, observers also notice a surprising lack of attention on China. Trump has hit China hard with tariffs, but otherwise, there has been little by way of articulated strategy.

Rubio, who in his Senate confirmation hearing warned that China could affect "virtually everything that matters to us in life" within a decade, has yet to visit East Asia, focusing attention on Trump's priority of deporting mostly Latin American migrants as well as to diplomacy on Ukraine.

"I think that the White House thought that they'd be in a different place with China now than where they are," said Wendy Cutler, a former top US trade negotiator who is now vice president at the Asia Society Policy Institute.

Trump's trade battle intensified so rapidly that it has become difficult to reverse, she stated.

She stated that China is "pursuing a long-term strategy," with President Xi Jinping motivating the public by attributing economic difficulties to the United States.

- Faith in Xi ties -

Trump is surrounded by reputed hawks such as Rubio, who is now also interim national security advisor, but Trump himself is transactional and appears "enamored with Xi Jinping," Cutler said.

She mentioned that he believes they have a good rapport and that when dealing with each other as leaders, they should be able to resolve their issues and set their relationship back on course.

The United States and China plan their first formal trade talks this week in Switzerland, over a month after Trump unveiled his sweeping levies.

Trump, who has vowed to remake the global economic system, has slapped 145 percent tariffs on products from China, which has responded with 125 duties on imports from the United States.

Trump informed journalists on Tuesday that their economy is experiencing significant hardship due to the lack of trade with the U.S.

- 'Nuanced'? -

Trump has shown himself to be far more radical than in his first term on a host of issues. But he has shown signs of pragmatism on China, despite heated rhetoric against Beijing on the campaign trail.

David Perdue, who previously served as a senator and was chosen by Trump to become the ambassador to Beijing, commented on China during the election that "America is at war." However, he stated in his confirmation hearing that the U.S. strategy toward China ought to be “thoughtful, bipartisan, and strategic.”

The previous administration led by President Joe Biden characterized China as the primary competitor yet aimed to collaborate on specific issues like combating climate change and restricting the flow of fentanyl.

Nevertheless, the Biden administration also adopted a wider regional approach aimed at confronting China via coalitions.

This initiated a realignment of U.S. troops in southern Japan and northern Philippines — areas close to Taiwan — and sought alliances aimed at opposing the utilization of advanced Chinese technology.

Trump has derided allies, especially in Europe, as freeloaders, and has hit even US friends with tariffs, although he relented at least temporarily on higher rates.

China has rapidly approached Japan and South Korea, two of the nearest US allies, to discuss the possibility of establishing a free-trade agreement.

Ali Wyne from the International Crisis Group stated, "By eroding key U.S. alliances and partnerships throughout Europe and Asia, he diminishes the influence that the United States can exert regarding China."

He similarly wondered about where the tariff war fits into a well-thought-out approach toward China, considering that this situation gives China reason to redouble efforts for increased self-reliance. Additionally, he noted that China has managed to portray itself as "a more stabilizing geopolitical entity compared to the dominant global superpower."

"In spite of his claimed closeness with Xi and his expressed wish for enhanced cooperation between the U.S. and China, he has generated a trade deadlock from which both leaders lack a straightforward way out without losing face," Wyne commented.

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