Sen. Paul Breaks With Trump on Approach With China

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., told The Hill's NewsNation on Tuesday that the U.S. should use a "carrot and stick" approach to China to curb its selling of dual-use parts to Russia to aid the war against Ukraine.

"Everybody wants the United States to be strong enough to respond to any peer competitor like China or Russia, and we should be strong enough to defend ourselves and to deter attacks," Paul said, adding that he wants to see the next ambassador to China talk more about trade. "But we shouldn't forget that diplomacy is important as well.

"When [Treasury Secretary] Janet Yellen and [Secretary of State Antony] Blinken went to China under Biden, they went over there and they shook their fist and they insulted the Chinese and told them to quit selling dual-use parts to Russia to use in the war. I would do the opposite."

China has tried to walk a diplomatic tightrope since the onset of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Although China has not officially endorsed Russia's aggression, the U.S. has criticized Beijing for providing material support in the form of dual-use items that Russia has used on the battlefield, including semiconductors, drone components, sensors, earthmovers, and nitrocellulose, an ingredient in rocket propellent.

Paul said he "disagrees" with Trump on how best to negotiate with China and that it isn't a zero-sum game. As Trump prepares to take office Monday, he has threatened to slap tariffs of 10% to 60% on finished goods from China.

"Trade with China, as well as trade with the world, is good for the American consumer," Paul said. "It's good for prosperity. We all grow richer. Trade is not one-sided. This is where I disagree with Donald Trump.

"It's not a lose situation with China. Everything we buy from China, we want the product more than we want our cash. That's the way trade works. As long as it's voluntary, trade is good."

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