Biden's China Policy: A Legacy for Trump to Navigate

With Biden's strategy of managed competition leaving a complex legacy, the forthcoming Trump administration's stance on China remains uncertain.

President Biden's administration has focused heavily on strengthening alliances in the Pacific to counter China's rising influence. Central to this strategy is Biden's significant engagement with Asian leaders, including a recent call with Japan and the Philippines to enhance a tripartite security arrangement. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also ended his term with a visit to key regional allies, further illustrating this commitment.

Looking ahead, President-elect Donald Trump appears poised to adopt a markedly different stance. He has already made overtures to Chinese President Xi Jinping, including inviting him to his inauguration. Trump's historical affinity for Xi and his economic-centric view of U.S.-China relations could lead to a more collaborative, or at least conciliatory, approach.

The contrast becomes clear when examining Biden's strategic foundation, which sought to establish a competitive edge against China. Many analysts believe that Biden's policies on China will be remembered as a continuum of the groundwork laid by Trump. While Biden aimed for organized opposition against China, Trump may redirect this focus toward negotiations and business interactions.

Advisers close to Trump, including prominent billionaire Elon Musk, are expected to advocate for enlarging business ties with China, suggesting a potential pivot from a hardline stance to one favoring economic engagement. This unfolding scenario raises pertinent questions about the future of U.S.-China relations and how the incoming administration will ultimately reshape the diplomatic landscape. As policymakers and analysts reflect on the implications of these transitions, the global community watches closely for signals of the U.S.'s strategic direction amidst rising Sino-American tensions.