Trump cabinet picks delight Taiwan, send strong signal to China
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In Taiwan, the appointment of President-elect Donald Trump’s nominees as United Nations ambassador, national security adviser, and secretary of state has garnered attention. Many view them as “China Hawks,” individuals who take a strong stance against China’s authoritarian regime. This stance is being welcomed in Taiwan, even among those who did not support Trump.
Sen. Marco Rubio, likely to be appointed as Trump’s chief diplomat, has been vocal about his support for Taiwan. He has emphasized the need for Taiwan to increase defense spending, a view shared by security experts but not necessarily the Taiwanese public. Rubio has also rejected China’s “one country, two systems” proposal for Taiwan, a sentiment echoed by the majority in Taiwan who oppose any plan that would give China control over the democratic island.
Rubio’s bill, the “Taiwan Peace Through Strength Act,” aims to enhance U.S.-Taiwan military coordination to deter any potential Chinese invasion. His strong stance against China has led to his sanctioning by the Chinese government in 2020, along with other U.S. senators who were deemed to have acted against China’s interests.
Trump’s pick for national security adviser, Rep. Michael Waltz, shares Rubio’s firm stance on China. Waltz believes that conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East should be resolved to focus attention on countering the Chinese Communist Party’s growing influence. Additionally, Trump has nominated Rep. Elise Stefanik as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, with expectations that she will work to counter Chinese influence within the U.N.
In response to these appointments, Chinese netizens have dismissed the significance, with some commenting that all U.S. politicians are anti-China. The level of internet control in China limits the expression of dissenting views, but some individuals have highlighted the challenges China faces with Rubio’s appointment due to his sanctions.
As tensions between the U.S. and China continue to escalate, the impact on China’s economy and social stability remains uncertain. Recent events, such as the Chinese government’s crackdown on student gatherings and patriotic displays, raise concerns about the potential for unrest. The echoes of past incidents, like the Tiananmen Square protests, serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between control and dissent in China.
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