At the recent APEC summit in Peru, Chinese President Xi Jinping issued stern warnings to President Joe Biden, outlining four “red lines” he claimed the U.S. must not cross, including Taiwan, democracy and human rights, China’s governance system, and its right to development. Xi’s warnings underscore tensions as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, signaling a likely continuation of his confrontational approach toward Beijing.
Trump’s cabinet appointments reflect a strategy to further decouple the U.S. economy from China while countering Beijing’s ambitions for a global leadership role. Prominent China hawks have been tapped for key positions, highlighting Trump’s resolve to intensify economic and strategic pressure on China.
Senator Marco Rubio, known for his outspoken criticism of Chinese economic practices and human rights violations, is expected to serve as Secretary of State. Representative Mike Waltz, who has described China as America’s greatest geopolitical threat, is set to become National Security Advisor. Elise Stefanik, a vocal opponent of Chinese influence at the United Nations, has been nominated as Ambassador to the UN.
Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald and a proponent of aggressive trade policies, has been named Commerce Secretary. Lutnick’s leadership will likely emphasize reducing reliance on China, bolstering domestic industries like semiconductors, and implementing tariffs, potentially as high as 60%, on Chinese goods. Robert Lighthizer, a key figure during Trump’s first term, will return as Trade Representative to maintain continuity in enforcing tough trade policies.
Xi’s warnings at APEC—particularly regarding Taiwan—highlight the growing strain in U.S.-China relations. China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has not ruled out military action for “reunification.” Trump has been a strong supporter of Taiwan, bolstering its defense during his first term and positioning the U.S. as a key ally. However, Trump has also pushed for greater financial and defense contributions from Taiwan, aligning with his broader philosophy that allies must shoulder more of their security burdens.
Taiwan’s strategic value to the U.S. remains a pivotal issue. Control of the island would allow China to dominate the Taiwan Strait, a critical shipping route, further expanding its influence. Preventing such a scenario aligns with Trump’s economic and geopolitical priorities, making it unlikely he will yield to Beijing on this issue.
During his first term, Trump enacted landmark measures targeting Chinese human rights abuses and undemocratic practices. These included the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act (2019), which imposed sanctions on officials undermining Hong Kong’s autonomy, and sanctions against Xinjiang officials for the persecution of Uyghurs and other minorities. Trump also expanded export controls and restricted Chinese companies’ access to U.S. technology.
Trump’s administration is expected to build on these measures, leveraging them to hold Beijing accountable for human rights violations and national security threats. His focus on protecting U.S. economic interests will likely involve continued restrictions on Chinese entities benefiting from unfair practices or harming American industries.
Xi Jinping’s emphasis on China’s “right to development” reflects Beijing’s broader ambitions for global leadership. Trump, however, has made it clear that while China can pursue its growth, it must not do so at the expense of American workers or taxpayers.
As Trump prepares for a return to the White House, his cabinet picks and policy outlook underscore a willingness to confront Beijing’s ambitions head-on, prioritizing American interests and countering China’s global aspirations.
