Mike Waltz, selected as Trump’s National Security Advisor, indicates that his administration will continue Biden’s Indo-Pacific strategy. He views India as a vital partner against China, whom he names as America’s greatest adversary. The new NSA emphasizes maintaining regional alliances, such as AUKUS and the Quad, as significant elements in U.S. policy.
Washington D.C.: The Trump administration appears set to uphold President Joe Biden’s Indo-Pacific strategy, particularly regarding China and strengthening relationships with India. Mike Waltz, selected as National Security Advisor (NSA), emphasized that China represents a long-term strategic challenge for the U.S., while India is deemed a vital partner in addressing this competition.
At the U.S. Institute of Peace event titled “Passing the Baton 2025: Securing America’s Future in the Era of Strategic Competition,” Waltz discussed regional alliances, defense, and trade. His predecessor, Jake Sullivan from the Biden administration, also attended the event, highlighting the continuity between the two administrations’ approaches.
Waltz, previously the co-chair of the U.S.-India Caucus, identified India as a “critical partner” in countering China’s rise. Sullivan acknowledged Waltz’s popularity in India and the strong support for the U.S.-India Congressional Caucus while jokingly suggesting his potential future role in Congress.
Addressing the China strategy, Waltz labeled China as the “greatest adversary” to the United States. He recognized the challenges posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and reiterated a commitment to prevent conflict while maintaining trade. Waltz expressed that Trump’s team would continue to prioritize AUKUS and the Japan-U.S.-Philippines trilateral dialogues established by Biden’s administration.
Sullivan emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on long-term competition with China, stating that the U.S. has not faced such significant challenges in a long time. Emphasizing a need for investment at home, the rallying of allies, and opposing China’s aggressive actions in regions like the South China Sea, continued vigilance is deemed essential.
Waltz affirmed the need to support regional alliances and stressed that Biden’s initiatives would persist to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific.
The article discusses the expected policies of the incoming Trump administration as it relates to strategic competition with China and relations with India. Mike Waltz, the newly appointed National Security Advisor, has spoken on the significance of collaborating with India and effectively managing challenges posed by China. These themes are framed within the broader context of U.S. foreign policy and its evolving role in the Indo-Pacific region. Waltz’s insights indicate continuity with the Biden administration’s strategies, particularly those surrounding defense and trade partnerships.
The discussions illustrate that the Trump administration will continue and reinforce existing strategic policies towards India and China established under President Biden. Mike Waltz’s insights underline the importance of U.S.-India cooperation in countering China’s influence, while also emphasizing the need to manage tensions with China effectively. Collaborative defense efforts and regional alliances remain pivotal in shaping U.S. foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
