Pence’s Concerns as Trump 2.0 Begins

As the second week of the 2024 Trump presidency unfolds, former Vice President Mike Pence finds himself grappling with several pressing issues, particularly regarding U.S. foreign policy toward China and Taiwan. Recently returning from a diplomatic trip across Asia, which included stops in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore, Pence is more convinced than ever of the necessity for the United States to fortify its stance against China and enhance Taiwan’s defense capabilities.

A Call for Stronger Policies Against China

During an intimate meeting with reporters at the Advancing American Freedom office in Washington D.C., Pence expressed his concerns about a perceived thaw in relations between the U.S. and China. While he welcomed diplomatic engagements, he insisted that they must not come at the cost of undermining fundamental principles. “There seems to be this suggestion on both sides of a certain thawing in relations, which in principle I welcome, but not compromising on principles,” he remarked.

In the new era of Trump governance, Pence is certain that the ideology of neoconservatism still holds relevance within the party. He stated, “There have been voices of isolationism that have been emerging in our party of late. I’m not yet convinced that they represent the president’s views.” He believes that the results of the 2024 election should not be interpreted as a shift toward isolationist policies. “I don’t think people were voting for isolationism in 2024,” he asserted.

Pence’s Rift with Trump

Despite his fundamental beliefs, Pence has notably refrained from endorsing Donald Trump in the upcoming election. Their relationship has been strained since the tumultuous aftermath of the January 6th Capitol riot, leading Trump to suggest he would avoid hiring anyone associated with Pence. “There are loud voices, both inside and outside the administration, that are calling on America to pull back from, whether it be Eastern Europe, the Asia Pacific, and even some are calling for us to pull back on our longstanding support for Israel,” he explained, stressing the importance of remaining aligned with traditional conservative values.

Pence’s Advocacy for Democracy in Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, Pence recently stood before a crowd of 2,000 individuals, passionately advocating for the release of Jimmy Lai, a media mogul and pro-democracy activist imprisoned by authorities. His commitment to supporting democracy abroad underscores Pence’s belief in the need for America to maintain its traditional stance on global issues.

Concerns Regarding TikTok and National Security

At home, Pence has urged Trump to reconsider the halted U.S.-Nippon Steel merger, indicating his insistence on scrutinizing economic relationships that might threaten national security. Moreover, he expressed worries over Trump’s newfound affinity for TikTok, especially given its controversial ties to the Chinese government. Pence cautioned, “I am concerned that the administration doesn’t fully appreciate the issues that animated the need for divestment,” following recent legislation that forced TikTok’s owners, ByteDance, to either divest or face a ban in the U.S.

Highlighting the potential dangers posed by the Chinese Communist Party, Pence pointed out that data collection from TikTok could have long-term implications for American society. “People that are in their 20s and 30s today could be in the Senate – in the House in 10 years. The fact that the Chinese Communist Party is collecting data on Americans, whatever their age or experience, is not something to be dismissed,” he emphasized.

China’s Tactical Maneuvers and U.S. Policy

Pence believes China is strategically working to influence public opinion in Taiwan as it prepares for a possible invasion. He shared insights from his discussions with Taiwanese leaders, who described an “onslaught of social media propaganda” emanating from the mainland. “The CCP thinks the principal value of TikTok is the ability to impact public opinion at a critical moment,” he noted.

Reflecting on the Trump administration’s legacy, Pence asserted, “I am convinced that our administration changed the national consensus on China.” He pointed out that President Biden has maintained many of the tough policies put in place, including 0 billion in tariffs, illustrating a continuity in striving for a robust approach to China.

Worries About Trump’s New Appointments

In light of Trump’s nominations, Pence has also expressed unease regarding Tulsi Gabbard, the former Democratic Congresswoman turned Republican, who has been nominated as the director of national intelligence. “She has, at times over the last two years, been an apologist for Putin,” Pence said, reminding his audience of her history of skepticism surrounding the use of American military power, including her criticism of the operation that killed top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani.

With Trump hinting at the potential for a new nuclear deal with Iran, Pence conveyed cautious optimism about the new administration’s approach. He expressed confidence in certain key officials, such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and national security adviser Michael Waltz, to carefully navigate these sensitive diplomatic waters, emphasizing the need for a stark shift in Iran’s approach regarding nuclear policy.

Pence’s Continued Advocacy for Traditional Conservatism

Pence’s advocacy efforts extend beyond foreign policy; his group has already launched campaigns opposing controversial nominations, like that of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for the Department of Health and Human Services. He is determined to remain an active voice in the political arena, stating his goals include increasing defense spending to 5% of GDP while using his platform to promote strong deterrent measures against potential aggression from China toward Taiwan.

A Call for Strategic Preparedness

Recognizing the United States’ longstanding policy of ambiguity regarding military support for Taiwan, Pence remains cautious about definitive commitments. He quoted an adage that reflects his conservative philosophy: “Never say what you’ll never do.” He concluded with a metaphor reflecting his vision for U.S. diplomacy, suggesting that while one hand should extend in friendship, the other should remain prepared for action. “We ought to have one hand extended in friendship in exchange, and the other hand resting comfortably on the holster of the arsenal of democracy,” he articulated, encapsulating his vision for a robust and principled U.S. foreign policy.