Trump’s anti-China claims must not derail bilateral relations
A political manoeuvre, his unsubstantiated claims of Chinese interference in US elections must not be allowed to do their worst
The timing aside, the remarks were nothing new from a leader who has repeatedly claimed Beijing favoured his opponents in past elections because of his stance on trade with China. What has changed is Trump’s reckoning with an unpopular and costly war in the Middle East, as well as challenges such as handling the economy and immigration.
With those factors dimming Republican Party hopes for success in the coming November midterm elections, the US leader’s renewed attacks on China are a political manoeuvre to push election-related legislation unpopular with lawmakers and the public. His words casting China as a bogeyman aimed to raise questions about the legitimacy of elections and mainstream media coverage.
Unfortunately, the domestic conflict now seems likely to shift into a national security issue that reshapes the wider China policy debate in Washington. Even as the claims are again debunked, the accusations could wind up at the same level as other bilateral conflicts.
As for the broader relationship, there are signs the US and China have found ways to allow competition and engagement to coexist. They must continue to compartmentalise if they are to avoid risking global peace and stability.