Biden's China policy: Short-term toughness, long-term disasters

The opinion piece from Responsible Statecraft critiques the Biden administration's China policy as detrimental to U.S. security and prosperity.

It argues that the approach of scolding, rebuking, and sanctioning China has produced counterproductive results, despite the administration's attempts to frame it as tough and effective. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's recent testimony to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is depicted as failing to convince that the policy benefits Americans.

The article asserts that President Biden's strategy sacrifices potential peaceful relations and economic benefits with China for short-term political gains by portraying China as an adversary. It criticizes Blinken's rebuke of China over its support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict, pointing out American hypocrisy in obstructing peace negotiations while accusing China of prolonging the war. The administration's lack of clarity on what constitutes victory in Ukraine and its insistence on China's compliance with U.S. directives through threats of sanctions and tariffs are also condemned as ineffective diplomacy.

The piece argues that the administration overlooks opportunities for constructive engagement with China, preferring a punitive approach that ignores China's transactional foreign policy tendencies. It highlights President Biden's reversal on tariffs, noting his retention and even escalation of tariffs on Chinese imports despite prior criticism of their economic impact on Americans.

On the sensitive issue of Taiwan, the article criticizes Biden's departure from longstanding U.S. policy of strategic ambiguity regarding defence commitments, suggesting this shift risks escalating tensions unnecessarily. It warns of potential severe costs, both in terms of American lives and resources, if the U.S. were to intervene militarily on Taiwan's behalf, contrasting this with the more cautious approach of previous administrations.

In conclusion, the piece calls for a recalibration of U.S. policy towards China, advocating for a more pragmatic and respectful approach that prioritizes long-term American interests and security. It urges President Biden to prioritize national interest over political expediency, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a stable relationship with China based on mutual respect and diplomacy to ensure future generations inherit a secure and prosperous America.