Commentary
Chinese leader Xi Jinping warned U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Nov. 7 that the United States would suffer if it confronted China. The message, delivered by the foreign ministry in Beijing, went beyond trade issues to include Trump’s plan to impose tariffs on China. This threat likely extended to various sensitive areas such as Taiwan and the South China Sea.
Given Trump’s temperament, it is unlikely that he will take such a threat lightly. It is probable that Xi’s warning will only provoke a more forceful response from the new U.S. president, who enjoys support from the Senate, the House of Representatives, the Supreme Court, and a thriving stock market. The United States has strong allies in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
On the other hand, Xi faces challenges at home, including economic issues like a debt crisis, property market collapse, unemployment, and a declining stock market. Iran’s proxies are facing setbacks, Russia is struggling in Ukraine, and North Korea’s inexperienced soldiers are expected to face defeat.
Xi’s decision to start his relationship with the new U.S. president with a threat, despite offering cooperation to China, shows his limited options. Trump is likely to seek advice from Vice President-elect JD Vance, known for his tough stance on China, on how to counter the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) more aggressively.
Several strategies, such as dismantling China’s Great Firewall to expose CCP atrocities and seizing China’s global assets to compensate for losses incurred by the U.S., have been proposed in response. Trump may also consider supporting allies in acquiring nuclear deterrents to contain China and taking offensive actions, such as cyber operations, to counter the CCP’s economic and political influence.
The designation of the CCP as an international terrorist organization has also been suggested due to its threat to American values and interests. Trump’s experience and proposed policies demonstrate his ability to confront the CCP effectively. It is essential to recognize the CCP’s true nature and take decisive action to protect American interests.
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
