China | 2024.07.17 08:52
There is growing concern in China regarding Senator JD Vance, who was confirmed as the vice presidential candidate by former US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Senator Vance is a prominent anti-China figure in the US, and his profile is rising in China as the possibility that he, at 39 years old, might become the next US president is gaining traction.
A critic, Huo Xinghongguan, stated: “Vance is a leader in the post-Trump era who can influence world politics. He is someone who cannot be overlooked and must be deeply understood.” He then listed Vance’s anti-China actions, emphasizing that he is a staunch anti-China figure.
According to Huo, candidate Vance has identified China as the biggest threat to the United States and is advocating for a more aggressive trade policy toward China. In March, candidate Vance proposed a bill that would ban Chinese companies from entering the U.S. stock market and restrict Chinese capital investment in the U.S. Additionally, candidate Vance stated that China’s access to critical U.S. infrastructure should be blocked and that more weapons should be supplied to Taiwan than to Ukraine.
Another critic expressed caution, saying: “Candidate Vance said in an interview with Fox News that if elected, we should quickly end the war in Ukraine and focus on China, the greatest threat to the United States. He is a typical US hawk on China.”
A commentator on the Chinese media Observer Network said: “Vance’s stance on China is more radical than Trump’s. He argues that even if it means a slight decline in America’s GDP (gross domestic product), we should reduce our dependence on Chinese manufacturing and support domestic manufacturing.”
In China, attention is also being paid to the background of candidate Vance’s wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance (hereinfollowing referred to as Usha). Usha is an Indian-American who met candidate Vance at Yale University and married him. It is known that a Chinese-American professor actively supported their relationship at the time. Additionally, Usha also had the experience of teaching American history at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, China while attending Yale University.
Meanwhile, when questioned regarding Vance’s statement that China is the greatest threat to the United States, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian responded on the 16th, “We have always opposed using China as an excuse for the U.S. presidential election.”
U.S. Republican Vice Presidential candidate Senator J.D. Vance and his wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance. [Photo=Baidu Capture]
China Warily Eyes US Vice Presidential Candidate JD Vance’s Anti-China Stance
A growing sense of wariness is palpable in China regarding Senator JD Vance, confirmed as the vice presidential candidate by former US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Senator Vance’s prominent anti-China stance in the United States has fueled significant interest in him within China, particularly given the possibility of him becoming the next US president at the age of 39.
Vance’s Anti-China Rhetoric Sparks Caution
China’s concerns stem from Vance’s vocal critiques of China’s economic and geopolitical influence. Critics such as Huo Xinghongguan label Vance as a “leader in the post-Trump era who can influence world politics,” highlighting the need to understand his views. They point to Vance’s actions, including:
- Defining China as the biggest threat to the United States.
- Advocating for a more hardline trade policy towards China.
- Proposing a bill banning Chinese companies from the US stock market and restricting Chinese investments.
- Calling for blocking China’s access to critical US infrastructure.
- Advocating for increased weapon supplies to Taiwan exceeding those to Ukraine.
These actions have cemented Vance’s image as a staunch anti-China figure, raising concerns regarding the potential impact of his policies on US-China relations.
Vance’s Stance on China Compared to Trump
A commentator on the Chinese media Observer Network highlights the radical nature of Vance’s stance, suggesting it surpasses even Trump’s views. They emphasize Vance’s calls for reducing dependence on Chinese manufacturing, even at the cost of a slight decline in America’s GDP, to support domestic production.
Focus on Vance’s Wife’s Background
Beyond Vance’s own statements, attention in China also focuses on the background of his wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance. A Chinese-American professor played a role in facilitating their relationship while Usha was at Yale University. She even taught American history at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, China during her time at Yale, adding yet another layer to the intricacies of the situation.
Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Response
The Chinese Foreign Ministry, through spokesperson Lin Jian, responded to Vance’s statement regarding China being the greatest threat to the United States by stating, “We have always opposed using China as an excuse for the US presidential election.” This statement underscores China’s objection to the use of its country as a political tool in US elections.
Implications for US-China Relations
The growing wariness in China towards JD Vance and his outspoken anti-China stance presents a significant potential challenge to US-China relations. Vance’s potential rise to power might lead to a hardening of US policy towards China, impacting trade, investment, and global security dynamics.
It is crucial to closely monitor the evolving situation and its implications for the global political landscape.
