Britain heads for showdown with Donald Trump on China – POLITICO

On a substantive level, Trump’s approach to China closely resembles that of his Democratic opponents. However, the key difference is the furious public reaction that inevitably displeases the outstanding entrepreneur.

“If he has a specific goal and it doesn’t match yours, you know from the start you won’t win,” said one former Downing Street aide who dealt with Trump under the former prime minister. Theresa May. The aide, like others involved in this story, spoke on condition of anonymity to be candid about Trump.

Nadia Shadlow, a former deputy national security adviser for strategy under Trump, warned that Britain’s different approach to China than Trump “could have a negative ripple effect on various aspects of the relationship.”

Regardless of whether Trump or his Democratic opponent Kamala Harris win next month’s presidential election, both will expect “solidarity” in the fight against Beijing, said Kerry Brown, professor of Chinese studies at King’s College London.

“The problem is that it’s predictable pressure under Harris,” he said, “but unpredictable pressure under Trump.”

Not soft, honest

The Labor Party insists its approach to China remains robust. But the hawks are still scared.