As the U.S. presidential election approaches, the topic of China has emerged prominently in the campaign rhetoric of one candidate, while the other has largely avoided it. Republican nominee Donald Trump has been vocal about U.S.-China relations, mentioning China 40 times during five rallies since the recent presidential debate, with a striking 27 references in a single hour at a town hall in Michigan.
Trump’s discourse primarily highlights tensions, portraying China as an economic predator. He has proposed new tariffs on Chinese imports, expressed intentions to prevent the sale of Chinese-made cars in the U.S., warned against China’s ambitions to replace the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency, and blamed the Chinese government for the COVID-19 pandemic. While economists debate the efficacy of his tariff strategy—suggesting potential harm to U.S. consumers—Trump’s messaging resonates with blue-collar voters in critical Midwest battleground states affected by competition from Chinese manufacturers.
In contrast, Democratic nominee Kamala Harris has not mentioned China in her six rallies since September 10, with only a few indirect references during a speech on the economy in Pittsburgh. She stated, “I will never hesitate to take swift and strong measures when China undermines the rules of the road at the expense of our workers.” An aide noted that while Harris may not frequently address China, she has a record of countering its influence.
The stark difference in approach was evident at a recent Trump event in Pennsylvania, where he held a roundtable with local farmers discussing the “growing threat” of the Chinese Communist Party to the U.S. food supply. The event attracted a largely Republican audience, with attendees expressing concerns about competition from subsidized Chinese imports and low-quality goods.
During the discussion, Trump emphasized his intent to use tariffs as a means to protect the U.S. economy from China, framing the conversation within the context of national security and potential conflict. Richard Grenell, a former U.S. ambassador and potential Trump administration official, echoed these sentiments, highlighting strategic actions by China that undermine U.S. interests.
Public opinion surveys indicate that China ranks low on American voters’ priority lists, overshadowed by issues like the economy, immigration, and healthcare. A recent survey found only 14% of voters in battleground states consider China a top national security priority, compared to 38% for immigration.
Despite this, local Republican leaders, like Bill Bretz in Pennsylvania, believe that discussing China could sway undecided voters. With Pennsylvania being a critical battleground, both candidates are keenly aware that every issue could influence the outcome in this pivotal state, where polls currently show a tight race.
