- President Donald Trump has assembled a cabinet featuring China hawks, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. As a senator, Secretary Rubio was sanctioned twice by Beijing and may still be barred from entering China.
- Analysts suggest the cabinet lineup signals a tougher stance in a second Trump administration, emphasizing protectionism and geopolitical competition with China, with tariffs remaining a central focus.
U.S.-China Relations
Trump 2.0 cabinet picks signal tougher China policy
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U.S. China Relations
Trump’s foreign policy team forms with hawks poised to shape China policy
Marco Rubio is a staunch critic of China and has been labeled by China’s state media as “one of the most radical anti-China politicians.” Mike Waltz frequently sounded alarms about threats posed by China, and Elise Stefanik is touted as “an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter.”
U.S. China Relations
Trump names China hawk David Perdue as U.S. ambassador to Beijing
The former senator and businessman supported Trump’s tariffs on China and advocated for a tougher U.S. stance on key issues involving China, including the South China Sea, intellectual property protection and international trade rules.
U.S. China Relations
‘New star’ Elon Musk and his views on China
Elon Musk has repeatedly praised China’s achievements in various fields but his comments have occasionally sparked controversy, particularly regarding issues like the source of the COVID-19 virus.
U.S. China Relations
More China trade ‘hawks’ among Trump’s top State Department picks
But one of them says America should not go to war with China to defend Taiwan.