Trump's new term targets Iran, backs 'Israel', confronts China head-on

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Bloomberg
12 Nov 2024 17:27

A Bloomberg report suggests that the anticipated appointment of Florida Senator Marco Rubio as Trump's Secretary of State signals a hardline approach, especially toward China.

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FILE - Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump greets Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., during a campaign rally at J.S. Dorton Arena, Nov. 4, 2024, in Raleigh, N.C. (AP)

The outlines of Donald Trump's prospective foreign policy are coming into sharper focus, just days after his return to the White House, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday.

With key appointments expected to shape the administration's international stance, Trump's priorities appear to target Iran, China, and the Middle East in ways that contrast with the previous administration's strategies.

Rubio to assume Sec. of State role

The anticipated appointment of Florida Senator Marco Rubio as Secretary of State signals a hardline approach, especially toward China, the report highlighted.

Rubio, a staunch critic of Beijing and sanctioned twice by Chinese authorities, aligns with Trump's plan to impose tariffs up to 60% on Chinese imports, a move expected to disrupt trade between the two largest economies.

Joining Rubio in top security roles are combat veteran Mike Waltz as National Security Advisor and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik as US Ambassador to the United Nations, both of whom share Rubio's sharp stance on China.

These appointments suggest that Trump's administration sees China as the US' foremost strategic adversary, with plans to increase economic pressure and counter Beijing's influence globally.

Greenlight to Netanyahu

Trump's position on the Middle East has also become clearer. The President-elect has reportedly signaled to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a green light to continue the war on Gaza and Lebanon.

Unlike the Biden administration, Trump's team is unlikely to press "Israel" on civilian casualties, favoring instead what sources describe as a "do what you have to do" approach.

Analysts believe Trump's stance could further solidify US-"Israel" relations but may challenge diplomatic ties with Gulf states that are seeking to ease tensions with Iran.

Abraham Accords

Bloomberg also suggested that Trump's foreign policy team will also look to expand the so-called "Abraham Accords", the landmark agreements brokered during his first term that normalized relations between "Israel" and several Arab nations.

Yet, the road to including Saudi Arabia may prove challenging; Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has indicated that progress toward a Palestinian state is a prerequisite for normalization.

Bin Salman's recent statements condemning the situation in Gaza as "genocide" reveal potential friction ahead as the US seeks to align regional powers on a shared platform, the report noted.

Ukraine war to continue?

In addition to focusing on the Middle East, Trump's administration is expected to pursue a swift resolution to the war in Ukraine, with insiders suggesting that as Secretary of State, Rubio may support a negotiated settlement.

Such an approach could involve Kiev making concessions on territories, a strategy some in Washington view as essential to refocus US efforts on China.