In a dramatic escalation of his campaign rhetoric, former President Donald Trump has declared that China would effectively "own" the United States if Joe Biden secures another term in the White House.
The Republican frontrunner made the explosive comments during a campaign stop, warning supporters that Beijing's influence over Washington would become absolute under continued Democratic leadership.
Return of Anti-China Campaign Strategy
Trump's latest remarks signal a return to the hardline anti-China positioning that defined much of his first term and 2020 re-election campaign. The former president has consistently portrayed himself as the only leader willing to confront Beijing's growing global influence.
"If this election is stolen again, you're going to have a country that's destroyed," Trump told supporters. "You're going to have a country that, number one, is owned by China."
Historical Context of Trump-Xi Relations
During his presidency, Trump maintained a complex relationship with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, alternating between public displays of friendship and aggressive trade measures. The former president frequently praised Xi while simultaneously launching trade wars and technology restrictions against Beijing.
This contradictory approach characterized much of Trump's first term China policy, which saw both leaders exchange compliments even as their governments engaged in economic confrontation.
Biden Administration's China Stance
The current Biden administration has maintained several Trump-era China policies while seeking to establish more predictable diplomatic channels. Administration officials have emphasized the need to "compete vigorously" with China while avoiding direct conflict.
However, Trump's latest comments suggest he believes Biden has been too soft on Beijing, despite continuity in many areas of US-China policy.
Campaign Implications and Voter Messaging
Political analysts suggest Trump's renewed China focus serves multiple purposes:
- Mobilising his conservative base with familiar anti-establishment rhetoric
- Drawing contrasts with Biden's more measured diplomatic approach
- Tapping into broader American concerns about China's global rise
- Redirecting attention from domestic political challenges
The China ownership claim represents one of Trump's most direct attempts to frame the 2024 election as a choice between American sovereignty and foreign domination.
International Reaction and Diplomatic Fallout
While Chinese officials haven't directly responded to Trump's latest comments, Beijing has historically dismissed similar claims as "irresponsible political posturing."
Diplomatic observers note that such rhetoric could further complicate already tense US-China relations, regardless of which candidate ultimately prevails in November.
The escalating language comes as both nations navigate sensitive issues including Taiwan, trade disputes, and technological competition that could define the future of great power relations.
