
<p>In the 2024 U.S. presidential election, China looms large as a global power and potential threat—yet only one candidate is sounding the alarm. Former President Donald Trump has made China a major focus of his campaign, warning about the economic and military dangers the country poses to the United States. On the other hand, Vice President Kamala Harris has remained largely silent on this critical issue, a silence that raises questions about her understanding of the global stage and America&#8217;s long-term security.</p>



<p>The U.S. and China are the two largest economies in the world, with the two most powerful militaries. According to many experts, their rivalry will shape global politics and economics for the rest of the 21st century. Yet, despite this undeniable reality, only Trump is consistently talking about China. In just five rallies since the last presidential debate, Trump has mentioned China 40 times. At one Michigan town hall, he brought up China 27 times in a single hour. He has labeled China as an economic predator, making clear that he believes the U.S. must defend itself from a country that seeks to undermine American industries and global influence.</p>



<p>Trump&#8217;s warnings are not just about abstract policies but hit home on real, everyday concerns. He has outlined a protectionist vision for the U.S. economy, vowing to impose new tariffs on Chinese goods and to prevent Chinese-made cars from entering American markets. His goal is to protect U.S. jobs and industries, especially in the industrial Midwest, where many feel the impact of cheap Chinese manufacturing. In one event, Trump even argued that allowing Chinese cars into the country would &#8220;destroy the American auto industry.&#8221;</p>



<p>Perhaps one of his most significant points has been about the future of American power and security. Trump warned that China is looking to replace the U.S. dollar as the world’s reserve currency, a move that could shake the foundations of global trade and severely weaken America’s economic position. In a recent discussion with farmers in Pennsylvania, Trump even spoke about the possibility of war with China, emphasizing the need to protect the U.S. steel industry. “If we’re in a war, and we need army tanks and we need ships and we need other things that happen to be made of steel, what are we going to do? Go to China and get the steel? We’re fighting China, but would you mind selling us some steel?” he asked rhetorically.</p>



<p>While Trump is on the campaign trail warning about these threats, Harris is nearly silent on China. In her six rallies since the September debate, Harris hasn’t mentioned China at all. A recent review by BBC Verify found that, other than a few brief mentions of China in a speech on the economy, she has avoided addressing the topic directly. Even when she does talk about China, it’s in vague, non-specific terms. For example, in a recent speech in Pittsburgh, Harris said, &#8220;I will never hesitate to take swift and strong measures when China undermines the rules of the road at the expense of our workers, communities, and companies.&#8221; However, beyond that statement, she offered no detailed plans or strategies for how she would handle the growing threat from the world&#8217;s second-largest economy.</p>



<p>Harris’s refusal to address China more frequently on the campaign trail is baffling, especially considering the fact that China is not only America’s biggest economic competitor but also a significant military rival. Analysts have long warned that the U.S.-China relationship is the most important foreign policy issue of our time. The U.S. Commission on National Defense Strategy has elevated China as one of the most pressing risks to American security. Yet, Harris seems uninterested in making it a central part of her campaign.</p>



<p>Some of her advisors argue that Harris’s focus is on other domestic issues that rank higher on voters&#8217; list of concerns, such as healthcare, inflation, and immigration. And indeed, polling shows that only 14% of voters see China as the top national security threat, compared to 38% who prioritize immigration. However, the importance of China cannot be ignored. As Richard Grenell, a senior advisor to the conservative think-tank Protecting America Initiative, put it, China has “quietly but strategically” worked against the U.S., particularly during times when Americans were distracted by other global issues.</p>



<p>Trump’s emphasis on China, particularly in battleground states like Pennsylvania, speaks directly to voters who feel their livelihoods are threatened by Chinese competition. At a recent roundtable event with farmers and ranchers in rural Pennsylvania, Trump hosted a discussion focused specifically on the “Chinese Communist Party&#8217;s growing threat to the U.S. food supply.” Farmers expressed frustration over competing with heavily subsidized Chinese imports, while others voiced concerns about the low quality of Chinese goods. Trump responded by promising that he would continue using tariffs to protect American industries and force China to buy more U.S. agricultural products.</p>



<p>Harris’s decision to ignore China on the campaign trail may reflect the fact that China ranks lower on the list of voter concerns, but this could be a grave miscalculation. As Bill Bretz, chair of a local Pennsylvania Republican committee, noted, “The majority of people have already picked the camp that they&#8217;re in, but there are those groups of people that are undecided. If China is a straw that sways the scale one way or another, I think it’s a great thing to bring up.” In an election as close as this one, where Pennsylvania is a pivotal state, Harris’s reluctance to talk about China could cost her votes.</p>



<p>While some may argue that Harris is simply focusing on issues that matter more to voters today, Trump’s repeated warnings about China highlight the long-term consequences of not addressing this growing threat. By focusing on tariffs, manufacturing, and the U.S. dollar’s position in global trade, Trump is preparing America for what many believe will be the most important geopolitical challenge of the 21st century.</p>



<p>Harris, by avoiding this issue, risks looking unprepared for the future. The threat from China is real, and it’s growing. Whether through economic competition, military buildup, or attempts to dominate global trade, China is a force that cannot be ignored. Trump is clearly ready to face that challenge head-on. Whether voters will see this as a sign of strength or weakness remains to be seen, but in a world where China’s influence is increasing daily, ignoring the threat seems not just foolish but dangerous.</p>

Trump Warns of China’s Growing Threat, Harris Ignores It
