China Policy - Rational MAGA

MAGA supporters express a strong desire for Trump to implement even harsher measures against China, reflecting their belief that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) poses a significant threat to U.S. economic and national security. Many, as seen in sentiments on X, urge Trump to escalate economic pressure, with one supporter echoing analyst Gordon Chang’s call for “more measures on China (CCP) to show that he has the will to continue this,” citing China’s struggling economy as leverage for further action. Supporters advocate for intensified tariffs beyond the current 76.1% rate, with some pushing for a complete decoupling of U.S.-China trade to cripple China’s industrial base. They also demand stronger actions against Chinese espionage, including expelling suspected operatives and banning Chinese nationals from sensitive U.S. research institutions, referencing past concerns about intellectual property theft as “one of the greatest wealth transfers in human history”.

On the military front, some MAGA nationalists favor a more aggressive posture, such as increasing U.S. naval presence in the South China Sea to counter China’s territorial claims and preparing for potential conflicts over Taiwan. They express frustration with perceived softness, with one supporter on X stating, “Trump needs to hit China harder—tariffs are a start, but we need to show them we’re not scared of their military buildup.” Others criticize Trump’s tech allies, like Elon Musk, for allegedly softening his stance due to business interests in China, demanding policies that prioritize “America First” over corporate profits. While some acknowledge Trump’s tariff hikes and export controls, they insist on bolder moves, like seizing Chinese assets in the U.S. or sanctioning CCP officials, to ensure China faces consequences for its global influence and past actions, including the COVID-19 pandemic.