China is part of the US election - but only from one candidate

As the 2024 presidential election approaches in the United States, the topic of China has emerged as a significant point of discussion, particularly in the context of the two leading candidates: Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. China, being one of the largest economies globally and a major player on the world stage, has become a focal point in the political discourse. Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, has been vocal about his stance on China, frequently addressing the issue during his campaign rallies. In fact, a recent analysis by BBC Verify revealed that Trump has mentioned China 40 times across five rallies since the presidential debate earlier this month. His rhetoric often paints China as an economic adversary, accusing it of undermining American jobs and industries. For instance, during a town hall meeting in Michigan, Trump brought up China 27 times in just one hour, emphasizing his belief that the country poses a threat to the American economy. He has proposed imposing tariffs on Chinese imports, arguing that such measures are necessary to protect American workers and businesses. Trump has also expressed concerns about Chinese-made vehicles, claiming they could jeopardize the American auto industry. Furthermore, he has warned against any attempts by China to replace the U. S. dollar as the world's primary currency and has attributed the Covid pandemic to the Chinese government. However, many economists have raised doubts about the effectiveness of Trump's tariff strategies, suggesting that they could ultimately harm American consumers. In contrast, Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, has not made China a central theme in her campaign. In her six rallies since the September 10 debate, she did not mention China at all, although she did reference the country during a speech on the economy in Pittsburgh. Harris 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, communities, and companies. ' An aide to Harris noted that while she may not frequently discuss China, she has a record of working to counter China's influence on global stability and prosperity. The stark difference in how Trump and Harris approach the topic of China is evident on the campaign trail. Recently, Trump held a roundtable discussion with local farmers and ranchers in Smithton, Pennsylvania, focusing specifically on the perceived threats posed by China. This rural area, located just outside of Pittsburgh, is predominantly Republican, and the event was organized by the Protecting America Initiative, a conservative think tank. The discussion centered around the growing concerns regarding the Chinese Communist Party's impact on the U. S. food supply. During the forum, farmers and business leaders expressed their frustrations about competing with heavily subsidized Chinese imports and the quality of Chinese goods. While Trump did not delve deeply into the issue of Chinese ownership of U. S. farmland, he reiterated his commitment to using tariffs to protect the American economy from Chinese competition. He also highlighted the importance of safeguarding the U. S. steel industry, suggesting that it is crucial for national security in the event of a conflict with China. Richard Grenell, a panelist and former U. S. ambassador to Germany, also spoke at the event, warning that China has been strategically undermining the U. S. while Americans are distracted by other global issues. He emphasized that China is actively seeking to influence local and state politicians and is looking to leverage its investments in the U. S. If Trump were to win another term, Grenell is considered a potential candidate for Secretary of State. On the other hand, if Harris were to win, it is likely that her approach to China would not differ significantly from the current Biden administration, which has also taken a firm stance against China. President Biden has characterized China as one of the autocracies competing with democratic nations, framing the current global situation as a critical turning point. Public opinion surveys indicate that China is not a top priority for many American voters, who are more concerned about issues like the economy, immigration, and healthcare. A recent survey revealed that only 14% of voters in key battleground states view China as the most pressing national security issue, with immigration leading at 38%. This may explain Harris's reluctance to focus on China during her campaign, as she has limited time to establish her identity with voters. After Trump's event in Smithton, a local Republican leader remarked that while China may not be the primary concern for voters in Pennsylvania, it is still essential for Trump to address it. Pennsylvania is a crucial state in the election, and both candidates will need to secure its votes to have a chance at winning the presidency. Current polls indicate a tight race between Trump and Harris in the state, highlighting the importance of every issue in swaying undecided voters.