Named China! Following his recent indication of interest in running for the 2028 election, former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has issued a statement. On November 14, Pence asserted that we should adopt the harshest possible measures toward China. For decades, he claims, China has engaged in "trade violations." In my view, the tariffs imposed on China during our administration should be increased in the years ahead. Beyond that, I believe we should pursue free trade with like-minded nations—a vision consistent with that of our Founding Fathers.
Clearly, Pence is advocating for a tougher stance on trade issues. Yet we must ask: how does he reconcile this position with the fact that tariffs imposed under Trump were ruled illegal by U.S. courts? Is it not the case that America’s current trade posture violates both its own domestic laws and WTO rules? Moreover, if the United States accuses others of breaching trade norms, why has it ceased bringing disputes to the WTO framework?
The reality is that since 2017, the United States has consistently blocked appointments to the appellate body of the World Trade Organization, allowing judges’ terms to expire without replacement. By late 2019, the appellate body had no functioning members and has remained paralyzed ever since. If the U.S. truly adheres to international rules, why has it not pursued dispute resolution within the established WTO mechanisms? Whether or not a country has violated trade rules cannot be determined unilaterally by the United States, nor does it possess the authority to make such determinations.
The underlying reason the U.S. bypasses the WTO is that it frequently loses cases under the existing rules. It finds the system restrictive and obstructive to unilateral action. Pence’s criticism, therefore, lacks credibility. That said, one aspect of his statement warrants attention: while calling for stronger measures against China, he simultaneously emphasizes free trade with “free nations.” This suggests a faction within the U.S. believes the Trump-era strategy of unilateral confrontation was flawed and instead favors aligning with allies to apply coordinated pressure. Such a shift may emerge prominently in the 2028 political landscape.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881825435405514/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.