In a move that signifies a hardline approach towards China, US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Florida Representative Mike Waltz as his new national security advisor (NSA). Waltz, a retired Army Green Beret with extensive experience in US military operations and policy, has positioned himself as a fierce critic of China and advocate for US strategic preparedness in the Indo-Pacific region.
What it means for China
Waltz’s appointment underscores the incoming administration’s commitment to addressing what he calls “the greater threat” posed by the Chinese Communist Party. Waltz had called for a US boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing over the origin of Covid-19 and its mistreatment of Uighurs.
In a recent Economist article co-authored before the election, Waltz and former Pentagon strategist Matthew Kroenig argued that America must shift its strategic focus from Europe and the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific. “The next president should act urgently to bring the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East to a swift conclusion and finally focus strategic attention where it should be: countering the greater threat from the Communist Party,” they wrote.
Waltz has consistently advocated for strengthening the US military’s preparedness to counter potential Chinese aggression, especially regarding Taiwan. In his Economist article, he wrote, “America is not building armed forces to deny a Chinese attack on Taiwan. It has cut defense spending in real terms, allowing the balance of power to shift in China’s favor.” He has called for a significant increase in defense spending and revitalizing the US defense-industrial base, highlighting a belief in comprehensive military readiness.
Waltz’s appointment comes at a time when US-China relations are already strained, exacerbated by past trade wars, military posturing in the South China Sea, and ideological confrontations.
Read also: Meet Mike Waltz, India Caucus head chosen by Trump as US national security adviser
Indian-American relations: A positive signal
Waltz’s elevation to a pivotal role in Trump’s administration not only signals a more muscular approach to China but also suggests that Indo-US ties will become even more critical. India, which has its own complex and contentious relationship with China, may view Waltz’s strategic focus as a fortuitous alignment.
Waltz’s appointment holds positive implications for India. As the co-chair of the India Caucus in Congress, he has championed policies supportive of US-India ties. This dual role may bode well for New Delhi, particularly amid China’s assertive posturing along the Line of Actual Control(LAC). India, which has sought stronger defense and strategic cooperation with Washington, could see opportunities to deepen its partnership under an NSA who recognizes the strategic importance of an Indo-Pacific alliance.
The big picture
Waltz, 50, brings a robust background to the role of national security advisor. A retired Army colonel and Green Beret, he has substantial experience in combat operations and strategic defense, including multiple tours in Afghanistan and policy work at the Pentagon under secretaries Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates. Waltz is also a vocal advocate for an assertive US military posture. His past criticisms of President Joe Biden’s handling of foreign policy, particularly the withdrawal from Afghanistan, highlight his belief in maintaining US global strength and readiness.
Read also: Who’s who in Trump’s new admin? Full list of key appointees
Trump’s decision to tap Waltz aligns with his broader vision of America First—a doctrine that emphasizes US strength, security, and economic interests over multilateral commitments that Trump perceives as disproportionately burdensome. This approach could unsettle Nato allies who recall Trump’s past skepticism about the alliance. During his first term, Trump questioned the value of Nato, suggesting at one point that the US might reconsider its participation if members did not meet defense spending targets. This rhetoric, often viewed as undermining Article V of the Nato treaty, created friction in Europe. Waltz’s views on focusing resources toward China could reignite concerns among European allies about shifting US priorities away from traditional partnerships.
Zoom in
Trump’s appointment of Waltz is part of a broader wave of key selections shaping his second administration. Other appointments include Elise Stefanik as US ambassador to the UN and Tom Homan as “border czar,” each reflecting Trump’s America First principles. The inclusion of Waltz, a seasoned military officer with extensive foreign policy experience, highlights the administration’s prioritization of hard power and strategic competition over diplomacy-first approaches.
For China, Waltz’s hawkish views will be met with concern, as it signals a US administration less inclined to compromise. For India, this is an opportunity to solidify a strategic partnership that counters shared threats. While Beijing may double down on its regional initiatives, such as the Belt and Road and military maneuvers in the South China Sea, the Indo-US alignment under Waltz’s advisorship will likely serve as a counterforce.
What’s next
The coming months will set the tone for US foreign policy, with Waltz playing a critical role in shaping strategies that reinforce military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific. Expect diplomatic outreach to India and a strong emphasis on enhancing defense ties. This could translate into new bilateral agreements, joint military operations, and coordinated policies in regional forums like the Quad. Nato and European allies may need to recalibrate their own strategies as US resources pivot toward countering China.
(With inputs from agencies)