Newly Elected US Senators Define Their Positions on China

Detailed summary

From advanced semiconductor exports to Taiwan’s defense and agricultural trade, newly elected U.S. senators have outlined a range of priorities for relations with China.

Editor's note: this story was translated from the original VOA Mandarin article.

From advanced semiconductor exports to Taiwan’s defense and agricultural trade, newly elected U.S. senators have outlined a range of priorities for relations with China. Their campaign platforms and legislative records offer a look at the issues they could pursue when the next Congress convenes in January.

Among the incoming Democrats, some favor tighter technology controls and stronger support for Taiwan while questioning the economic costs of tariffs. Newly elected Republicans have advocated measures addressing arms sales, supply chains and competition affecting industries in their home states.

However, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Donald Trump would determine U.S. policy as he sees fit, regardless of how Republicans fared in the midterm elections.

“Congress has a role to play in our foreign policy, particularly on what it funds and in its oversight function, but the No. 1 factor in determining foreign policy has always been and will remain the president,” Rubio said.

Illinois Democrat Juliana Stratton criticized Trump’s China trade tariffs in a Chicago Sun-Times candidate questionnaire, saying tariffs increase household and agricultural costs. She favors investment in infrastructure, technology and workers, while protecting intellectual property and data from Chinese cybersecurity threats and supporting Taiwan’s self-defense.

Michigan Democrat Abdul El-Sayed argues that competition with China need not lead to military conflict. His platform supports competition through research and economic strength alongside cooperation on shared interests. His SI proposals nevertheless include computing controls, customer identification requirements for computing providers and an independent safety-testing agency.

New Hampshire Democrat Chris Pappas has pursued legislation addressing Taiwan’s defense, international participation and diplomatic representation.

In 2023, he joined…

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