"Mobilizing All Possible Means to Pressure the Public"
Announcement of Tough Measures Including Expansion of the Ban List on Transactions with Chinese Companies and Tariff Increases
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] The nominee for U.S. Secretary of Commerce has once again emphasized a tough stance against China's unfair trade practices. This has led to expectations that, similar to the Donald Trump administration, the Joe Biden administration will continue to exert strong pressure on China, maintaining tense relations between the two countries.
According to foreign media on the 26th (local time), Gina Raimondo, the nominee for U.S. Secretary of Commerce, stated at the Senate confirmation hearing that "China has repeatedly engaged in unfair trade practices, significantly harming the interests of American workers and businesses," and added, "We will respond using all possible means, including adding Chinese companies to the trade ban list and imposing tariffs."
Furthermore, Raimondo suggested that the policy of taking a tough stance against unfair trade practices to protect U.S. interests will apply to no country as an exception. In her opening remarks at the hearing, she said, "We will implement aggressive measures against unfair trade practices by China and other countries that harm the interests of U.S. manufacturing." She added, "Such measures require whole-of-government cooperation and solidarity with allies."
Although Raimondo did not disclose specific response plans, it is interpreted that she expressed her intention to continue strong pressure on China comparable to the Trump administration. Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP) analyzed, "While she did not provide specific answers to some senators' questions about whether Huawei will remain on the trade ban list, the Biden administration's plan to tighten the reins on China through a multilateral approach in solidarity with allies remains unchanged."
Janet Yellen, the nominee for Treasury Secretary who passed Senate confirmation the day before, also stated at her confirmation hearing that "we will apply collective pressure on China in cooperation with allies." Previously, Tony Blinken, the nominee for Secretary of State, hinted at the need for "stronger pressure on China," and Lloyd Austin, the Secretary of Defense, also declared that he will continue firm military pressure.
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