Donald Trump has officially nominated JD Vance as his vice-presidential candidate for the upcoming US presidential election in November 2024. The announcement was made on Monday, July 15, 2024, ending months of speculation. Vance, a Senator from Ohio, is known for his aggressive stance on China, aligning closely with Trump's views.
In an interview with Fox News, Vance emphasized that China is the 'greatest threat' to the United States, criticizing the current focus on other global issues, including the ongoing conflict between Moscow and Kiev. He suggested that Trump would prioritize negotiating peace between Moscow and Kiev to redirect attention towards China.
Vance's views are reflected in the Republican Party's recently adopted platform, which proposes a 60 percent tariff on Chinese imports and aims to end China's status as the 'most-favored nation.' This aggressive economic policy is intended to curb China's influence on the US market and prevent Chinese investments in US industries and real estate.
Vance has a history of supporting tough economic measures against China. He has introduced numerous bills in the Senate aimed at reducing Chinese influence on the American education system and financial markets. He has also expressed concerns about Chinese hacker groups targeting US infrastructure.
At the Republican convention in Milwaukee, Trump received a standing ovation, appearing confident and combative. He reiterated his accusations against the Democratic Party, claiming they intend to cheat in the upcoming elections and encouraging his supporters to vote by mail if necessary.
Trump's nomination of Vance comes at a critical time, coinciding with the Communist Party's 'Third Plenum' strategy meeting in China. The meeting focused on China's economic development, which has been under pressure due to high unemployment and a real estate crisis. The International Monetary Fund has recommended that China increase domestic demand to stimulate sustainable growth.
Vance's aggressive policy against China is also influenced by his personal experiences, as detailed in his 2016 biography 'Hillbilly Elegy.' He witnessed the decline of the steel industry in Ohio due to cheaper Chinese imports, leading to widespread unemployment. Vance aims to reverse this trend and revive the American steel industry through punitive tariffs.
Despite his aggressive stance, Vance has shown some bipartisan support. He praised Biden's 'CHIPS and Science Act' in 2022, which aimed to boost US chip production, acknowledging that it was a necessary step to protect the US economy from potential Chinese aggression.
