Biden Administration’s Struggle with Trade Agreements Imperils Efforts to Counter China (Photo: NBC News)
President Biden’s Stauch Trade Policies Meet Resistance in Europe and Asia, Hampering Action Against China
Milton Ezrati wrote in The Epoch Times that the Biden administration’s struggles to secure trade agreements in Europe and Asia could damage its position in dealing with China and hurt its reelection chances.
President Biden’s trade initiatives have struggled in Europe, where the suspension of steel and aluminum tariffs has not led to a trade agreement with the EU. Labor, environmental, and domestic subsidy disputes compound this issue. Biden’s pursuit of European trade accords has failed, affecting the administration’s China policy.
Trade cooperation in Asia has also been difficult for the Biden administration to achieve, with few trade and investment treaties. Despite signing trade and investment deals with Taiwan, Japan, and the UK, the administration sought economic cooperation with 13 Indo-Pacific countries, including digital trade regulations, which have not materialized due to labor and environmental concerns. Beyond trade, these failings could diminish public commitment to confront China in Asia and lead to tariff re-imposition.
READ ALSO: US Urges China To Respect Taiwan’s Sovereignty Ahead Of Elections
These trade distractions affect the administration’s diplomatic efforts and policy goals. The administration may struggle to gain domestic and congressional support for its China policy if it fails to negotiate robust trade agreements. Additionally, the lack of big trade wins may damage the public image before the elections.
Due to these problems, the Biden administration must negotiate trade diversions that could affect its ability to deal with China and achieve its foreign policy goals. These trade problems may affect the administration’s political standing and global trade dynamics beyond economic concerns.
READ ALSO: US And China Hold Crucial Military Talks, Easing Tensions
