As with all policies, Biden claimed success with the China strategy, while Kamala Harris promised more.
However, Joe’s China policy has largely failed, exposing weaknesses that have made the US increasingly vulnerable to Beijing’s economic, military, and geopolitical power.
While the administration says it is taking strong steps to “invest, align, and compete” against China, in reality, its actions have been riddled with contradictions and lack of enforcement, favoring China and increasing US dependence in key areas.
Biden’s green energy push for electric vehicles (EVs), solar panels, and wind turbines has backfired, benefiting China, which controls more than 70% of global EV battery production and dominates the solar and wind sectors.
Environmental regulations forcing 60% of new car sales to be electric by 2030 increase US dependence on Chinese imports, strengthening Beijing’s grip on green energy while making American supply chains more vulnerable.
This shift raises vehicle and energy costs, disproportionately affecting middle- and low-income Americans. Restrictions on domestic oil and gas production increase the cost and risk of energy dependence in China.
Partnerships between Chinese companies, such as CATL, and US companies, such as Ford, allow China to benefit from US tax incentives while retaining control of key technologies. If political tensions rise, the partnership could disrupt US supply chains, posing serious national security risks.
Administrative failures also allow China to benefit from US mismanagement. Julie Su, now Secretary of Labor, oversaw one of the biggest fraud scandals in US history when she was California Secretary of Labor.
The country’s Workforce Development Department (EDD) lost an estimated $32 billion to fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic, with $26 billion stolen by international criminal networks, including groups linked to China’s state-sponsored hacking organization, Persistent Threat Advanced 41 (APT). 41).
These funds are currently being used to finance activities that threaten US national security, such as drug trafficking and human trafficking.
Despite these major setbacks, Su has risen through the ranks in the Biden administration, now holding key positions in the federal government.
It is baffling that a man who allowed billions of taxpayer dollars to fall into the hands of his enemies, now bears greater responsibility, further illustrates a government unwilling to face the real consequences of its actions.
On the military front, Biden’s policies are also weak. Despite China’s military buildup and increased aggression in the South China Sea and around Taiwan, the government has failed to launch a new weapons program.
China’s nuclear arsenal, which now includes more than 500 operational warheads, continues to grow. In addition, Beijing has stepped up its military provocations near Taiwan, with hundreds of Chinese military aircraft and naval ships threatening the island.
The move highlights how China is more willing to challenge the US and its allies, but the administration’s response has been insufficient.
Biden’s handling of Taiwan added to the confusion. Despite publicly stating several times that the U.S. would defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion, senior White House staff repeatedly repeated their remarks, creating uncertainty about the U.S. commitment.
Meanwhile, China’s military has grown bolder, often refusing to engage diplomatically with the US as it conducts aggressive maneuvers in the South China Sea. Biden’s call for diplomatic détente with Beijing has been met with inflammatory rhetoric from China, further damaging US credibility in the region.
Geopolitically, China has expanded its influence as the Biden administration struggles to keep up. China’s continued support for Russia, despite international condemnation of its war in Ukraine, shows its willingness to defy global norms.
In 2023 alone, China will send hundreds of military aircraft and naval vessels to Taiwan, showing its growing confidence that the US cannot stop it.
Additionally, incidents such as Chinese spy balloons floating over the US and reports of expanded Chinese spy facilities in Cuba show how Beijing prefers to challenge the US on its own turf.
The failure casts serious doubt on Biden’s claim that China policy has succeeded. Although the administration has extended some Trump-era policies, such as listing Chinese companies for human rights abuses, those efforts have been marred by contradictory actions.
For example, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo encouraged American businesses to continue investing in China during a visit last year, despite the government’s perceived hardline.
Furthermore, the administration’s restrictions on semiconductor exports to China, one of its favorite policies, have been poorly implemented. Reports suggest that China still has access to advanced AI chips from companies like Nvidia, albeit with limitations.
This lack of enforcement raises questions about whether the administration is serious about competing with China in critical technologies.
In terms of trade and the military, Biden’s policies have also been disappointing. The administration missed a huge opportunity to build US military capabilities, especially after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and China’s aggressive stance toward Taiwan.
While the administration is strengthening alliances in the Indo-Pacific through partnerships like AUKUS and Quad, it has failed to initiate the rearmament program necessary to counter China’s military might.
China’s rapid military buildup poses a serious threat, but the U.S. is lagging behind, especially when it comes to defending Taiwan and maintaining a strong presence in the South China Sea.
Biden’s lack of a strong trade agenda for Asia exacerbated the problem. His administration introduced the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), which is nothing compared to the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) that China is applying to join.
Without a strong trade strategy, the US is losing ground in Asia, allowing China to fill the void and expand its influence.
Ultimately, the Biden administration’s China policy has been characterized by inconsistency, poor enforcement, and failure to counter China’s growing influence. From energy dependence to military threats and economic vulnerability, the administration has left the US in a weaker position. And Kamala has promised more than the same.
