As US Vice President Kamala Harris steps into the spotlight with President Joe Biden’s endorsement as the Democratic presidential nominee, her potential administration’s foreign policy approaches are garnering significant attention. Harris has thanked Biden for his “unmatched legacy” in her first public appearance following Biden’s endorsement, signaling continuity in several key areas.
China: A hawkish approach?
Analysts predict that a Harris administration might adopt a more hawkish stance on China compared to Biden’s tenure.Harris has consistently voiced support for human rights issues that China finds contentious, such as those in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. Furthermore, she has reinforced the US’s Indo-Pacific strategy and increased engagement with regional partners to counter China’s military activities in the South China Sea.
Engagement with Taiwan and technology competition
In 2022, Harris met with Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te, signaling strong support for Taiwan amidst rising tensions with China. Additionally, she has backed the US Chips and Science Act to enhance competition with China’s semiconductor industry.
Russia: Upholding sanctions and supporting Ukraine
Harris’s stance on Russia is expected to align closely with Biden’s, maintaining strong sanctions to deter aggression, especially in Eastern Europe. She has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine, consistently advocating for transatlantic cooperation to back Kyiv. At the Munich Security Conference, she reaffirmed the US commitment to support Ukraine “as long as it takes” and criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for his actions, emphasizing accountability for war crimes.
Israel and the Middle East: A balanced approach
While maintaining support for Israel’s right to security, Harris is anticipated to push for renewed efforts toward a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Her previous private urgings for a stronger stance against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during conflicts with Hamas indicate a potential for more assertive measures in seeking peace in the region.
Economic measures
International relations analyst Shen Dingli speculates that Harris might propose tougher economic policies, including higher tariffs on Chinese products, to distinguish herself in the political arena. “Harris will do it even more harshly than Biden to compete with Trump,” Dingli noted, suggesting a potential intensification of trade measures.
China: A hawkish approach?
Analysts predict that a Harris administration might adopt a more hawkish stance on China compared to Biden’s tenure.Harris has consistently voiced support for human rights issues that China finds contentious, such as those in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. Furthermore, she has reinforced the US’s Indo-Pacific strategy and increased engagement with regional partners to counter China’s military activities in the South China Sea.
Engagement with Taiwan and technology competition
In 2022, Harris met with Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te, signaling strong support for Taiwan amidst rising tensions with China. Additionally, she has backed the US Chips and Science Act to enhance competition with China’s semiconductor industry.
Russia: Upholding sanctions and supporting Ukraine
Harris’s stance on Russia is expected to align closely with Biden’s, maintaining strong sanctions to deter aggression, especially in Eastern Europe. She has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine, consistently advocating for transatlantic cooperation to back Kyiv. At the Munich Security Conference, she reaffirmed the US commitment to support Ukraine “as long as it takes” and criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for his actions, emphasizing accountability for war crimes.
Israel and the Middle East: A balanced approach
While maintaining support for Israel’s right to security, Harris is anticipated to push for renewed efforts toward a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Her previous private urgings for a stronger stance against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during conflicts with Hamas indicate a potential for more assertive measures in seeking peace in the region.
Economic measures
International relations analyst Shen Dingli speculates that Harris might propose tougher economic policies, including higher tariffs on Chinese products, to distinguish herself in the political arena. “Harris will do it even more harshly than Biden to compete with Trump,” Dingli noted, suggesting a potential intensification of trade measures.