US Primacy VS Alliance Restoration... Trump and Biden Policy Showdown Intensifies

Divergent Priorities During Administration... Public United on Hardline Approach

[Image source=Asia Economy DB]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The foreign and economic policies of the United States are expected to change significantly over the next four years depending on the outcome of the U.S. presidential election. On the day that President Trump was confirmed as the Republican presidential candidate, he presented "America First" and the principled withdrawal of U.S. troops stationed overseas as key pledges if re-elected. In contrast, Democratic presidential candidate Biden emphasized the restoration of alliances and the recovery of America's global leadership as his main priorities. However, the only area where both candidates speak with one voice is a strong stance on China, indicating that regardless of who becomes president, the U.S. will maintain a tough policy toward China.

On the 24th (local time), the Trump presidential campaign revealed its key priorities if re-elected, stating its intention to continue the America First policy promoted during the 2016 election. The core policies for America First in foreign policy include the principled return of U.S. troops stationed overseas and a fairer sharing of stationing costs with allied countries. The main points are to end endless wars, bring troops home, and increase defense cost-sharing by allies to reduce the U.S. administration's defense budget burden.

Previously, the Trump administration faced criticism both domestically and internationally for causing diplomatic friction with allies by reducing U.S. troops in Germany and pressuring NATO member countries to increase defense cost-sharing. If President Trump is re-elected, South Korea is likely to face strong pressure from the U.S. regarding defense cost-sharing issues.

In contrast, former Vice President Biden's foreign policy focuses on restoring alliances and regaining America's global leadership. According to The New York Times (NYT), Biden stated at the Democratic National Convention on the 20th, "I will be a president who stands with our allies." The Biden campaign also stated that unless there is a special military strategic reason for redeployment, the current scale and defense costs of U.S. troops stationed overseas will be maintained.

There are also significant differences in the two candidates' priorities regarding COVID-19 response and economic policies. President Trump focuses on securing vaccines as quickly as possible to end the COVID-19 crisis early and minimize lockdown orders. The main content is to create 10 million jobs through strong stimulus policies centered on manufacturing after early termination of the COVID-19 crisis.

Biden intends to reform various medical and health system issues exposed during the Trump administration. In a recent interview with ABC News, he emphasized resolving the COVID-19 crisis before the economy, stating, "If we cannot fully control COVID-19, neither the country nor the economy can function properly." He also stressed that lockdowns should be implemented if necessary.

Although the two candidates' pledges differ in many areas, they share no disagreement on a tough stance toward China. President Trump said he would hold China accountable for the COVID-19 crisis and maintain a hardline policy toward China in diplomacy and trade. Biden has expressed a firm stance against human rights abuses committed by the Chinese government in Hong Kong, the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and Tibet, and plans to pressure China in coordination with allies. However, according to the Hong Kong South China Morning Post, President Trump attacked the Democratic Party and Biden's policies on the day by saying, "If Biden is elected, China will own the United States," highlighting the difference.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.