WASHINGTON, Jan 16: Incoming National Security Advisor Mike Waltz has stated that the Trump administration intends to maintain several aspects of Joe Biden’s policies, specifically regarding China and India. He highlighted India as a key partner for the US going forward.
Waltz will assume his role as National Security Advisor to Donald Trump when he is inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States on January 20.
During his appearance at the US Institute of Peace (USIP), Waltz identified China as the “greatest adversary” of the United States while viewing India as a significant ally for the future.
“The President-elect strongly believes we can avert conflict with the Chinese Communist Party, given their reliance on our markets. We plan to leverage this situation strategically, in accordance with our national security interests, while we are still able to,” Waltz remarked during a panel discussion alongside outgoing NSA Jake Sullivan.
Waltz also reminded moderator Stephen J Hadley, former National Security Advisor, that he previously served as the Republican chair of the US-India Caucus in the last Congress.
Sullivan, who visited India last week, mentioned to the audience that Waltz is quite popular there.
“I was just in India last week. They have great admiration for you as a co-chair of the India Caucus. They are enthusiastic about your upcoming role. I joked that I could chair the India Spouses Caucus in Congress, but their excitement was a bit muted,” Sullivan remarked humorously.
Waltz noted that partnerships like AUKUS and the Quad would persist from one administration to the next.
AUKUS is a security alliance between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, aimed at fostering a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The Quad is a collaborative framework involving India, Australia, Japan, and the US, committed to promoting a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific amidst China’s assertive actions in the strategically significant South China Sea.
Waltz emphasized that the incoming administration would ensure the delivery of the USD 20 billion backlog of US weapons for Taiwan “as a deterrent measure.”
“Additionally, we aim to bolster the partnerships and alliances that this administration has cultivated, particularly the trilateral dialogues involving South Korea, the United States, and Japan, as well as between the United States, Japan, and the Philippines. This will help these nations navigate historical tensions with a shared objective of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he stated.
“If I haven’t mentioned India yet, I will reiterate its importance as a vital partner for the future,” Waltz responded when asked about India.
Sullivan concurred with his successor.
“I align with almost everything Mike has articulated. A robust strategy toward China is synonymous with a solid strategy for Asia, which involves strengthening the alliances and partnerships we have established, some of which were inherited and expanded upon. There’s continuity in this approach,” he asserted.
“Furthermore, a sound China strategy is also an effective allies strategy more broadly, which includes Europe. It’s essential that the United States remains actively engaged with European nations to achieve alignment in addressing unfair Chinese economic practices, particularly concerning supply chain resilience,” he noted.
“Lastly, there’s the technology aspect. We must both promote and safeguard our technological advancements. It’s crucial to invest domestically to maintain our leadership in key technologies that will shape the future. Unfortunately, the scientific component of the CHIPS and Science Act has yet to receive full funding,” he expressed.
“America, at its best, has historically invested in fundamental research and development to drive innovation. Additionally, we’ve implemented several measures to protect our advanced technologies, ensuring they’re not utilized against us or our allies by China,” he elaborated.
Sullivan concluded by noting that China is currently facing considerable challenges. (PTI)
