On the level of substance, Trump’s approach to China largely resembles that of his Democratic opponents. The key difference, however, is the furious public backlash that inevitably comes with displeasing the larger-than-life entrepreneur.
“If he has a particular objective, and it doesn’t line up neatly with yours, you know from the get-go you’re not going to win,” said one former Downing Street aide who dealt with Trump under ex-Prime Minister Theresa May. The aide, like others in this story, spoke on condition of anonymity to be candid about Trump.
Nadia Schadlow, a former deputy national security adviser for strategy under Trump, warned that Britain’s taking a different tack from Trump on China “could have a negative ripple effect across different aspects of the relationship.”
Whether Trump or his Democratic opponent Kamala Harris wins the presidential election next month, both will expect “solidarity” in their battle with Beijing, said Kerry Brown, a professor of Chinese Studies at King’s College London.
“The issue is, it’s predictable pressure under Harris,” he said, “but unpredictable pressure under Trump.”
Not soft, honest
Labour insists its approach to China remains robust. But the hawks are still spooked.
