

What Is America’s China Policy?
5 snips Mar 7, 2025
Rush Doshi, a former Biden administration official and director at the Council on Foreign Relations, delves into the intricate dynamics of U.S.-China relations. He discusses the significant rise in tariffs on China since 2017 and how Trump's and Biden's foreign policies differ in tackling the China challenge. Doshi explains China's perspective on U.S. military strategies, especially regarding Taiwan, and highlights the importance of cultural understanding for effective diplomacy. He also examines the implications of U.S. policies on global stability and economic strategies.
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Impact of Tariffs
- Trump's tariffs on China have significantly increased, now at 39% compared to 3% in 2017.
- These tariffs aim to diversify manufacturing and gain leverage for deals, but their effectiveness is debated.
Conflicting Signals on China Policy
- Trump's China policy seems to lack a clear doctrine, sending mixed signals about decoupling and investment.
- A national security memorandum suggests prohibiting US investment in more Chinese sectors.
Trump's China Policy Beliefs
- Trump's China policy isn't a doctrine, but stems from his beliefs in respecting power, tariffs' benefits, and immigration control.
- His actions, like offering to lift export controls on Huawei for a trade deal, contradict a tough-on-China image.