Republicans accuse Biden of appeasing China through Blinken’s visit to Beijing.

Republicans Criticize Biden Administration’s Approach to China

Republicans are seizing Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Beijing as an opportunity to portray the Biden administration as weak on China. They argue that the diplomatic reset is equivalent to appeasement, rather than taking necessary steps to contain Beijing.

Blinken’s two-day trip included meetings with top-ranking diplomats and President Xi Jinping. Both sides acknowledge that relations between the United States and China are at a low point. Originally planned for February, the visit was postponed after the U.S. shot down a Chinese balloon suspected of spying on nuclear military sites.

Republicans Call for Stronger Measures

While Washington has taken a confrontational stance towards China, Republicans argue that the Biden administration is not doing enough to counter Beijing’s influence. Representative Michael McCaul, the chairman of the House Foreign Relations Committee, has urged new sanctions on Chinese officials and tighter export controls.

McCaul emphasized the importance of negotiating from a position of strength, stating, “You need to have leverage in these talks to achieve something.”

The Biden administration has already imposed sanctions on Chinese organizations and individuals, and restricted China’s access to semiconductor technology. However, there are reports that the president is “slow walking” certain penalties and has softened his rhetoric towards China.

Blinken’s Trip Draws Criticism

Blinken’s visit to China, the first by a secretary of state in five years, was seen by GOP lawmakers as an “apology tour” that projected weakness on the world stage. Representative Elise Stefanik, the No. 4 Republican in the House, criticized the visit for legitimizing President Xi’s “subversion of our sovereignty.” She cited the sale of U.S. farmland to China and reports of a Chinese spy station in Cuba.

However, it was Blinken’s comment at the end of his trip, stating that the U.S. “does not support Taiwan independence,” that sparked significant criticism from the Right.

U.S. Stance on Taiwan

The U.S. has traditionally maintained a delicate balance regarding Taiwan, an autonomous island that China considers its territory. While recognizing the People’s Republic of China as the sole government, the U.S. does not recognize Chinese sovereignty over Taiwan.

Blinken reiterated this policy during his trip, emphasizing the importance of preserving the status quo and opposing any unilateral changes. Despite this, Republicans accused Blinken of cowardice for not supporting Taiwan’s independence.

Biden’s Approach to Taiwan

President Biden has oscillated between bold statements and restraint when it comes to Taiwan. While he promised to defend the island in the event of a Chinese invasion, he cautioned against provoking China when then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi planned a visit to Taiwan. Pelosi ultimately made the trip.

Republicans argue that Biden’s actions, along with Blinken’s remarks, give China a “green light” to intimidate Taiwan.

In defense of the Biden administration, Representative Jake Auchincloss, a member of the House Select Committee on China, has made multiple television appearances. He argues that Secretary Blinken is traveling to China from a position of strength, citing efforts to deepen alliances in the Indo-Pacific and the relative strength of the U.S. economy.

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