Incoming US national security advisor Mike Waltz has outlined the continuation of key policies from the Biden administration, especially in dealing with China and strengthening ties with India.
Speaking during a panel discussion at the US Institute of Peace with the outgoing NSA Jake Sullivan, Waltz talked about China’s role as the US’s greatest adversary and India’s increasing importance as a strategic partner. He also touched upon regional alliances, defence, and trade.
China: The greatest adversary
Mike Waltz, who is set to become the National security advisor for President-elect Donald Trump, discussed the ongoing strategy towards China He described China as the “greatest adversary” of the United States, acknowledging the challenges posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Despite the tensions, Waltz pointed out that the US will work to avoid conflict, stressing that China still needs US markets. “The President-elect firmly believes we can avoid conflict with the Chinese Communist Party because they need our markets. We are going to use the leverage in a way that’s in line that we have that’s in line with our national security while we still can,”
Waltz mentioned that the continuation of policies like AUKUS and the Quad, which have already been established under the Biden administration, would persist under Trump’s leadership. Additionally, he highlighted concerns over Taiwan, particularly the $20 billion backlog of US arms sales, which will be a key focus of the new administration’s China strategy.
Waltz also acknowledged the need to reinforce alliances in the region, including trilateral dialogues between South Korea, Japan, and the US, and between Japan, the US, and the Philippines. He affirmed that these initiatives will continue as part of the US approach to counter China’s growing influence.
India: A critical partner
Waltz, a former co-chair of the US-India Caucus, stressed India’s significance in the US’s future strategy. He mentioned that India remains a critical partner, especially in efforts to counter China’s rise.
Waltz’s remarks came after outgoing National security advisor Jake Sullivan pointed out India’s strong support for the US-India Congressional Caucus. Sullivan, who had recently visited India, told the audience that Waltz is very popular in India.
“I was just in India last week. They love you there as a co-chair of the India Caucus. They love the India Caucus, so they’re excited to have you come on board. I told them I could be the chair of the India Spouses Caucus in Congress going forward. They were a little less than that, but we’ll do our best,” Sullivan said