Former President Donald Trump, now the 2024 GOP presidential nominee, is considering appointing two prominent China critics, Marco Rubio and Mike Waltz, to high-level positions should he return to the White House. Both Rubio, a Florida Senator, and Waltz, a Congressman and former Green Beret, have consistently advocated for a hardline stance on China and other authoritarian regimes. These potential appointments reflect Trump’s commitment to adopting a more assertive foreign policy against perceived threats from China and other global powers.

Marco Rubio as Secretary of State?

Rubio has long taken a strong stance against China’s policies, emphasizing the need for U.S. resilience against economic and security threats posed by Beijing. His work on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and his commitment to international security have made him a serious candidate for Secretary of State under Trump. Rubio’s outspoken views align with Trump’s own rhetoric on trade imbalances, technology theft, and military threats from China. However, his potential nomination might provoke debates, especially as he has shown bipartisan support in specific areas like NATO—a stance that might contrast with Trump’s more isolationist leanings.

Mike Waltz as Secretary of Defense?

Mike Waltz is another strong China critic on Trump’s radar, possibly for the role of Secretary of Defense. A veteran and outspoken critic of the Biden administration’s foreign policies, Waltz has emphasized the need to counter Chinese influence, specifically in military and technological domains. Known for his firm stance on bolstering defense against China, Waltz would likely align closely with Trump’s goal to ramp up U.S. military readiness. His military background as a former Special Forces officer and his current legislative role have positioned him as a credible candidate to lead the Department of Defense under Trump, potentially spearheading efforts to counter China’s expanding global influence and strengthen U.S. alliances in the Indo-Pacific.

Both Rubio and Waltz’s appointments would signal a return to a hawkish, assertive foreign policy, focusing on strategic competition with China, strengthening alliances, and addressing global security concerns. Trump’s selection of these figures underscores his intention to tackle perceived economic and military challenges from China head-on.