Hillary Clinton on China
Hillary Clinton has expressed a view of China as a significant strategic competitor, particularly in economics and geopolitics. As Secretary of State, she was the public face of the US military and economic rebalance toward Asia, which was largely seen as a response to China's rising influence. Her past actions included taking a vocal stance against China's aggressive actions in the South China Sea.
Regarding trade, Hillary Clinton has repeatedly condemned what she views as unfair Chinese trade practices, such as overcapacity in steel production and currency manipulation. She pledged to oppose granting China so-called "market economy" status, arguing it would undermine US anti-dumping laws and weaken enforcement tools. She stated that if she were President, China would know that "the games are going to end."
More recently, Clinton has discussed the shift in the US mindset from viewing China's development as integrating to seeing it as an increasing threat in a more zero-sum world. She also criticized President Xi Jinping's decision to retain power indefinitely, noting it creates challenges for accountability in US-China relations. Despite the tension, she supported recent high-level diplomatic meetings as opportunities to reset the relationship and explore cooperation on mutual interests like climate change.
Timeline
- As First Lady, Hillary Clinton gave a forceful speech on human rights, famously stating: “Women's rights are human rights,” addressing issues often scrutinized in China.
- While serving as Secretary of State, Clinton issued an open challenge to China at an ASEAN forum, warning against using “coercion” to resolve disputes in the South China Sea.
- She reportedly referred to the contested waters as the “West Philippine Sea,” using the name preferred by the Philippines in its territorial dispute with China.
- During her presidential campaign, Clinton condemned China's continued support for overcapacity in steel production and pledged to take on trade abuses if elected.
- As a candidate, she reversed her earlier support for the TPP free trade deal, stating it did not meet her standards, partially in response to concerns about China's economic influence.
- Clinton commented on the chilling effect of President Xi Jinping staying in power for life, which she believes challenges accountability in bilateral relations.
Actions Taken
- Diplomacy/Foreign PolicyOversaw a significant expansion of military relations between the US and Vietnam, a country with historically complex relations with China.
- Geopolitical StrategyAs Secretary of State, she helped promote the US economic and military rebalance to Asia, explicitly framed as a response to China's growing power.
- International Arbitration SupportSupported Manila's decision to take its territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea to an international tribunal.
Key Quotes
"And I'll oppose efforts to grant China so-called "market economy" status, which would weaken our tools for dealing with this behavior. I've gone toe-to-toe with China's top leaders on some of the toughest issues we face. I know how they operate – and they know that if I'm President, the games are going to end."
"Women's rights are human rights."
warned against countries using “coercion” to resolve disputes in the South China Sea.
Sources4
Hillary Clinton's Past Remarks About Asia - VOA
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.