The U.S. Can’t Be Smart on China Without Talking Trade
Even as it strengthens ties with allies in Asia, the Biden administration is undercutting its broader strategy by refusing to engage on the region’s foremost concern.
China understands that trade is the lifeblood of Asia.
Photographer: STR/AFP/Getty ImagesAmerica’s new defense partnership with the U.K. and Australia confirms that President Joe Biden is serious about reorienting U.S. foreign policy. The challenges posed by China are to figure more prominently than before. This rethink is necessary, but the administration will fail unless it revisits its approach to trade.
China has happily exploited a huge and unforced error. White House officials continue to dismiss the idea of joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership — the successor to a trade pact written in large part by the U.S. as a means of countering China. Meanwhile China has submitted its own bid to join CPTPP, declaring itself a champion of liberalization in a region whose lifeblood is trade.