President-elect Joe Biden is already in the process of shaping his administration that will be coming in January. When it comes to the trade relations between the US and China, Biden revealed that he will not take immediate action just yet.
Speaking to the New York Times, Biden was pressed on his incoming administration’s foreign and domestic policies. The president-elect shared to the outlet’s Thomas Friedman that he will not take immediate action regarding the trade war between the US and China under Donald Trump’s administration. Trump has since placed tariffs on China in an effort to force Beijing into changing its practices regarding this aspect.
“I’m not going to make any immediate moves, and the same applies to tariffs. I’m not going to prejudice my options,” said Biden. The president-elect also noted that before he makes any decision regarding trade with China, he will first make a full review of the Trump administration’s “phase one” trade deal with Beijing. Biden also shared that he wants to consult with the US’ allies in both Europe and Asia in order to make a more coherent approach before taking action on the tariffs.
The president-elect also seeks to have the US work with its allies again following Trump’s “America First” policy that seemed to isolate the country from its allies. One instance was that Trump had withdrawn the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership along with other international agreements. “It’s going to be a major priority for me in the opening weeks of my presidency to try to get us back on the same page with our allies.”
At the same time, Biden is still in the midst of forming his potential Cabinet, having already unveiled the names of his White House staff and nominees for positions in National Security and the Economy. Biden is reportedly planning on nominating Rahm Emanuel as Transportation Secretary. Emanuel worked in both the Clinton and Obama administrations but is also seen as a divisive figure among Democrats, the progressive faction of which has advised against appointing Emanuel to a Cabinet position.
Nevertheless, the possible appointment of Emanuel by Biden could also be stemmed from his pledge to make a diverse Cabinet.