[WORLD] In a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Thursday, David Perdue, President Donald Trump's nominee for US ambassador to China, highlighted the country's continued adherence to the one-China policy while taking a hard stance on Beijing's worldwide ambitions. The confirmation hearing takes place at a time when tensions between Washington and Beijing have risen over trade, security, and Taiwan.
Perdue reaffirmed the United States' commitment to the one-China policy, which has been a cornerstone of US-China ties since 1979. "We're going to continue to honor the one-China policy, as stated in the Taiwan Relations Act, backed up by the three communiqués and the six assurances," Perdue said as he gave evidence.
Perdue’s mention of the “six assurances,” commitments made by the Reagan administration in 1982 to support Taiwan without undermining its defense or sovereignty, signals continuity in U.S. policy despite escalating geopolitical tensions.
A Tougher Line on China
Perdue also alluded to a more combative approach to China under Trump's leadership. He saw China's developing "Marxist nationalism" and global ambitions as challenges to the existing international order. "China respects strength," Perdue said, emphasizing Trump's commitment to making America "safer, stronger, and more prosperous" through reciprocal trade policies and strategic partnerships.
This is consistent with larger trends in Trump's foreign policy team, which includes officials known for their strong views on China. Analysts believe that this could herald a period of increased competition between the two global giants in trade, security, and technology domains.
Balancing Taiwan and Beijing
The reaffirmation of the one-China policy coincides with growing bipartisan support in Washington for closer ties with Taiwan. Recent US weaponry sales to Taiwan and high-level trips have sparked strong criticism from Beijing, which sees such measures as provocations weakening its sovereignty claims over the island.
While Perdue promised lawmakers that the United States' obligations to Taiwan would stay firm, he also underlined the need for friends to do more to challenge China's influence. "It is not inconsistent to reinforce alliances while negotiating fair trade," he told me.
Strategic Implications
The nomination hearing shows Washington's delicate balance in maintaining its complex relationship with Beijing while still backing Taipei. Experts say that maintaining this delicate balance is crucial as both countries deal with difficult topics including as trade disputes, military posturing in the South China Sea, and Taiwan's future position.
The one-China policy has long operated as a diplomatic framework, allowing Washington to interact with both Beijing and Taipei without directly disputing their competing claims. However, alterations in language and policy under Trump have created uncertainty in this agreement, raising concerns about its long-term stability.
Looking Ahead
If confirmed as ambassador to China, Perdue will play a pivotal role in shaping U.S.-China relations during a period marked by strategic rivalry and mutual distrust. His testimony underscores an administration intent on asserting U.S. interests while navigating one of its most consequential bilateral relationships.
Observers will be watching closely to see how Perdue balances Trump’s hardline policies with efforts to stabilize ties with Beijing—a task made more challenging by rising tensions over Taiwan and other flashpoints in the Indo-Pacific region.
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