Mahoney on new Trump Team
Mahoney on new Trump Team
A great number of people in #china were hopeful that Trump, a business oriented pragmatist , would push the US-China relationship forward. However, Marco Rubio and Michael Waltz defy that expectation.
Featured contributor Prof. Josef Mahoney was interviewed by #bloomberg on Trump's choices of Marco Rubio for Secretary of State and Michael Waltz as National Security Advisor.
Full remarks
There were a great number of people in #china who were hopeful that Trump was a business oriented pragmatist who would in some way be able to push the US-China relationship forward. With these two people atthe helm, that seems very, very unlikely.
Waltz in particular is a troubling pick. As a Green Beret who served in #afghanistan, who opposed the US leaving that country, we might again see efforts by the US to intervene in Central Asia under the old strategic paradigm that focused on Afghanistan in particular as a lynchpin on #hegemony in Asia.
This concerned is further reinforced by Waltz's focus in Congress oncompetition between great powers over access to strategic mineralswhich are abundant in Afghanistan, and which have always drawn theattention of others, including the British and the former #ussr.
Waltz is a member of the #taiwan Caucus, both Waltz and Rubio havebeen very aggressive on both the Taiwan and #xinjiang issues, withRubio under Chinese sanctions. We might anticipated a replay of a Pelosi-like visit by one or both men, as well as other provocations that risk crossing Beijing's red lines.
Trump asks Rep. Mike Waltz, China hawk, to be his national security adviser
President-elect Donald Trump has asked U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz, a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, a person familiar with the matter says
Neither Waltz nor Trump campaign officials have confirmed early reports that say Waltz will become national security adviser. (Scripps News)
WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump has asked U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz, a retired Army National Guard officer and war veteran, to be his national security adviser, a person familiar with the matter said Monday.
The nod came despite simmering concerns on Capitol Hill about Trump tapping members of the House, where the final tally is still uncertain and there are worries about pulling any GOP members from the chamber because that would force a new election to fill the empty seat. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the matter before Trump made a formal announcement.
The move would put Waltz at the forefront of a litany of national security crises — ranging from the ongoing effort to provide weapons to Ukraine and escalating worries about the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea to the persistent attacks in the Middle East by Iran proxies and the push for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas and Hezbollah.
Waltz, a three-term GOP congressman from east-central Florida, was the first Green Beret elected to the U.S. House, and easily won reelection last week. He has been chairman of the House Armed Services subcommittee on readiness and a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
Waltz is an ardent Trump advocate who backed efforts to overturn the 2020 election. He is considered hawkish on China, and called for a U.S. boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to its involvement in the origin of COVID-19 and its ongoing mistreatment of the minority Muslim Uighur population.
He has been a sharp critic of the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and has called on the U.S. to hold accountable those who bear responsibility for the deaths of the 13 U.S. service members at Abbey Gate and for “thousands of Americans and allies behind enemy lines.”
He has also repeated Trump’s frequent complaints about a so-called “woke” military that the former president has derided as soft and too focused on diversity and equity programs.
In a statement last year, Waltz said that as head of the readiness subcommittee: “I am ready to get to work to better equip our military and turn our focus away from woke priorities and back to winning wars. Our national security depends on it.”
A graduate of Virginia Military Institute, Waltz was a Green Beret. He served in the active-duty Army for four years before moving to the Florida Guard. While in the Guard he did multiple combat tours in Afghanistan, the Middle East and Africa and was awarded four Bronze Stars, including two with valor.
He also worked in the Pentagon as a policy adviser when Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates were defense chiefs.
“President-Elect Trump will begin making decisions on who will serve in his second Administration soon," said Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the Trump transition. "Those decisions will be announced when they are made.”
Richard Goldberg, who served at the National Security Council during Trump’s first term, called Waltz an impressive pick whose background as an elite U.S. service member and experience on Capitol Hill will be of great value to Trump.
“With fires raging across the world right now, Waltz is well positioned to help the President put out those fires,” said Goldberg, who is now a senior adviser at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington.
Waltz's selection was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.
— AP writers Jill Colvin in New York and Zeke Miller and Aamer Madhani in Washington contributed.
https://tucson.com/news/nation-world/government-politics/trump-asks-rep-mike-waltz-china-hawk-to-be-his-national-security-adviser/article_cf4bdcd3-a157-561c-8270-fa56ce270009.html
Trump appoints national security advisor, ambassador to Israel in incoming administration
WASHINGTON -- US President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday announced his decision to pick Florida's Republican Congressman Mike Waltz as the national security advisor in his forthcoming administration, and former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee as the next US ambassador to Israel.
"I am honoured to announce that Congressman Mike Waltz (R-FL) is hereby appointed to serve in my cabinet as my national security advisor," Trump said in a statement, hailing the retired US Army colonel as "a nationally recognised leader in national security", as well as "a strong champion of my America First Foreign Policy agenda".
A native Floridian, 50-year-old Waltz served in the US Army and the National Guard for a combined period of 27 years, including as a member of the elite US Army Special Forces — colloquially known as the Green Berets. He was deployed for multiple combat missions in Afghanistan, the Middle East and Africa.
During his active-duty service as a guardsman, Waltz meanwhile worked in Washington as a defense strategist for the federal government, serving in the Pentagon as defense policy director for former Republican secretaries of defense Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates. At the time, his advisory role also reached the White House, when he was chosen by former vice-president Dick Cheney as the counterterrorism advisor to the vice-president.
Waltz was elected into the House in 2019, representing Florida's 6th congressional district, a seat vacated by Ron DeSantis after he was elected governor of the Sunshine State.
The national security advisor, unlike the ambassador to Israel, would not need Senate approval.
Huckabee was the 44th governor of Arkansas, serving between 1996 and 2007. He was chair of the National Governors Association from 2005 to 2006.
In a separate statement announcing Huckabee's nomination, Trump claimed that Huckabee, 69, "loves Israel, and the people of Israel, and likewise, the people of Israel love him".
"Mike will work tirelessly to bring about peace in the Middle East!" Trump said of Huckabee.
Huckabee was a Republican presidential candidate in the 2008 election, announcing his bid for White House in January 2007 and withdrawing his candidacy in March 2008, when it became clear that his Republican primary rival, John McCain, would secure the party's nomination. McCain ended up being defeated by the Democrat ticket with Barack Obama at the top.
https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202411/13/WS6733b7bba310f1265a1ccf44.html
Can Elon Musk Bring Efficiency to Government?
Featured contributor Prof. Josef Mahoney was interviewed by Kawala Xie with South China Morning Post #scmp on the role Elon Musk and others might play as back channels between the Chinese leadership and #trump.
Full remarks
We know that there has been some communication between Trump andXi during the campaign.
For example, Trump mentioned that Xi sent him a letter wishing him welafter the assassination attempt.
As for back channels, these are always a key feature of diplomatic workMusk might be used for this purpose but both Trump and Xi know thatMusk has his own agendas and that he's not politically reliable. lf Muskplays a role then its likely superficial..
Certainly both sides will be reading each other's signals, for example. A Xi-Biden encounter at #apec and #g20, #china announcing a massive stimulus, and Trump reportedly asking Lighthizer, the architect of Trump's trade war against China, to reprise his role at #ustr.
Who is Mike Waltz?
Is Donald Trump's rumoured national security advisor good news for India but bad news for China?
Donald Trump selected Mike Waltz as his new national security advisor. Waltz, known for his tough stance on China, will likely prioritize US-India relations. This move signals a stronger Indo-US partnership in the Indo-Pacific region. Waltz, a retired Army Green Beret, advocates for increased military preparedness against potential Chinese aggression.
In what appears to be a calculated stance against China, US President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly chosen Florida Representative Mike Waltz as his national security advisor. Waltz, a retired Army Green Beret known for his extensive knowledge in military operations and policy, is a vocal critic of China and a staunch advocate for bolstering US strategic readiness in the Indo-Pacific.
Impact on China
Waltz's selection highlights the incoming administration’s focus on addressing the challenges posed by the Chinese Communist Party. He has previously called for a boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to concerns over Covid-19's origins and China's treatment of Uighurs.
Waltz and former Pentagon strategist Matthew Kroenig, in a joint Economist article penned before the elections, emphasized the need for America to shift attention from Europe and the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific. “The next president should act urgently to bring the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East to a swift conclusion and finally focus strategic attention where it should be: countering the greater threat from the Communist Party,” they stated.
A consistent proponent of strengthening the US military to deter potential Chinese aggression, particularly towards Taiwan, Waltz highlights in his writings, "America is not building armed forces to deny a Chinese attack on Taiwan." He emphasizes an increase in defense spending and revitalization of the defense-industrial base as crucial steps for military preparedness.
Waltz takes on his new role amidst already tense US-China relations, fueled by trade disputes, military activities in the South China Sea, and ideological standoffs.
India and US Relations: A Promising Signal
Waltz’s crucial role in Trump’s administration not only marks a tougher approach towards China but also suggests a deepening of Indo-US relations. For India, wrestling its own conflicts with China, Waltz’s strategic focus appears as a promising development.
As the co-head of the India Caucus in Congress, Waltz has supported enhanced US-India ties, an indication that his new role could further strengthen this partnership. Amid heightened tensions along the Line of Actual Control, India may find an opportunity to bolster defense and strategic ties under an NSA aligned with Indo-Pacific strategic priorities.
The Broader Picture
Mike Waltz, at 50, brings significant experience, having served in the Army and undertaken strategic roles, including serving at the Pentagon. Known for his strong stance on maintaining US military prowess, he has critiqued President Joe Biden's foreign policy strategies, particularly the Afghan withdrawal.
Trump’s decision to include Waltz aligns with his America First strategy, prioritizing US security and strength. This may raise eyebrows among Nato allies, who remember Trump’s previous critical stance on the alliance and membership requirements. Waltz's focus on China could further ignite unease among European partners fearing a shift in US alliances.
Donald Trump's Strategic Appointments
Trump's choice of Waltz forms part of a strategic assembly shaping his upcoming administration. Appointments, such as Elise Stefanik as US ambassador to the UN and Tom Homan as "border czar," embody Trump’s America First narrative. With Waltz's military and policy expertise, the administration emphasizes hard power and strategic rivalry over diplomatic endeavors.
For China, Waltz’s bold perspectives suggest a US less willing to relent, while India sees a pathway to solidify its strategic partnership amid shared threats. As China escalates initiatives like the Belt and Road and South China Sea activities, the Indo-US alignment under Waltz offers a counterbalance.
What Lies Ahead
The upcoming months will define US foreign policy, with Waltz playing a crucial part in enhancing military capability in the Indo-Pacific. Expect stronger diplomatic connections with India and an increased focus on fortifying defense ties. This may lead to new bilateral agreements, collaborative military exercises, and unified regional strategies through platforms like the Quad. Nato and European allies must reassess their strategies as US efforts pivot towards China.
(With inputs from agencies)
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/who-is-mike-waltz-donald-trumps-national-security-advisor-and-why-is-it-good-news-for-india-but-bad-for-china/articleshow/115199870.cms?
From 'Little Marco' to 'Mr Secretary': Rubio shows Trump China push
WASHINGTON: Marco Rubio's first experiences with Donald Trump involved trading schoolyard insults, but he will now become the president-elect's face to the world -- potentially showing a more traditional, hawkish US foreign policy, especially on China.
Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants who would be the first US secretary of state fluent in Spanish, from his earliest days has been a vociferous opponent of the communist government in Havana and other Latin American leftists, including in Venezuela.
In recent years the senator from Florida, whose nomination has been reported by multiple US media outlets but not yet confirmed, has become one of the most outspoken senators against Beijing.
His efforts have included championing Taiwan, moving to restrict Chinese business operations in the United States and leading legislative measures to punish the Asian power over its treatment of Hong Kong and the Uyghur minority.
Rubio has also long joined Republicans in their fervent support for Israel and hard line on Iran's clerical state.
Yet for all of his adamant views on the world, the baby-faced 53-year-old was once seen as a rising star in a more moderate Republican Party that would reach out to minorities and suburban swing voters.
After Barack Obama won reelection in 2012, Rubio, then an ambitious first-term senator, sought to work across party lines to overhaul the immigration system and offer a more humane, legal pathway to undocumented immigrants.
Trump has won his second term on a starkly different platform -- mass deportation -- and Trump crushed Rubio's own presidential ambitions in 2016 in the Republican primary.
Rubio, seeking to fight Trump at his level, told a Virginia rally during that campaign: "Have you seen his hands?"
"You know what they say about men with small hands," Rubio said tauntingly.
The crowd erupted. But Rubio's low blow antagonised Trump, who would mock him as "Little Marco."
"He referred to my hands -- if they're small, something else must be small," Trump said days later at a Republican debate, as Rubio stood just feet away. "I guarantee you there's no problem.
FUTURE 'DEFINED' BY ASIA
Rubio, much like Vice President-elect JD Vance, has looked at the Republican electorate and become a full-throated supporter of Trump, much to the president-elect's delight.
In an interview on Catholic-oriented EWTN after Trump's victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, Rubio backed Trump's assertion that the United States is overextended and should focus on rivalry with China.
Speaking like Trump, if more diplomatically, Rubio said Ukraine had fought valiantly but hit a "stalemate" against Russian invaders and that the United States should show "pragmatism" rather than sending billions of dollars more in weapons.
"I don't like what Vladimir Putin did, and we do have an interest in what happens there," Rubio said of Russia's president.
"But I think the future of the 21st century is going to largely be defined by what happens in the Indo-Pacific."
Rubio in the Senate has led efforts to arm Taiwan, the self-governing democracy claimed by Beijing. He has called for direct shipments of US munitions and advanced military technologies in hopes of deterring China, rather than simply selling weapons to Taiwan.
In July, Rubio insisted that a second Trump administration would support Taiwan after Trump in an interview appeared to say that the island needed to pay the United States "protection" money.
'EXCEPTIONAL' AMERICA
Rubio advanced quickly in politics, winning a city election in 1998 five years out of college and becoming speaker of the Florida House of Representatives at age 34.
A Roman Catholic, he has four daughters with his childhood sweetheart, Jeanette Dousdebes, a former cheerleader for the NFL's Miami Dolphins.
Rubio has frequently spoken of his working-class background -- a father who worked as a bartender, coming home late, and a mother who was a cashier.
In a 2012 interview with Time, Rubio recalled how his mother left him a voice message urging him not to "mess" with undocumented immigrants, pleading that they are "human beings just like us."
Now that he is poised to be America's top diplomat under the anti-immigration Trump, Rubio is likely to take another part of his family's message -- their steadfast opposition to communism.
In a 2012 memoir, "An American Son," Rubio recounted how his cigar-smoking grandfather told him how the United States was a beacon to the world's oppressed.
"My grandfather didn't know America was exceptional because he read about it in a book. He lived it and saw it with his own eyes.