Elise Stefanik (R-New York), a prominent critic of China, is expected to be named as Donald Trump’s ambassador to the United Nations—one of the administration’s earliest major appointments. If confirmed by the Senate, Stefanik will represent the U.S. in a global body where China, as a permanent member of the Security Council, has been steadily increasing its influence on key international issues. Analysts suggest that Beijing is unlikely to welcome the anti-China stance of Trump’s prospective foreign policy team but may choose to bypass more hawkish officials by engaging with individuals in Trump’s orbit who have economic ties to China.
“The Chinese often leverage figures close to Trump with significant economic connections to China to facilitate back-channel diplomacy,” noted Yun Sun, director of the China program at the Stimson Center. This dynamic could lead to tension between Trump’s stated goals and the harder-line China positions of his proposed Cabinet members.
For example, Trump is reportedly considering reversing the ban on TikTok, the Chinese-owned social media platform, as part of a campaign promise. This potential policy shift could conflict with the views of figures like Stefanik, who has strongly supported banning TikTok due to concerns over Beijing’s potential use of the app for surveillance
Elise Stefanik, known for her strong stance on holding China accountable for its role in the COVID-19 pandemic, criticized the Chinese Communist Party for withholding critical information about the virus and spreading misinformation, emphasizing the need for accountability in 2020.
She has mentioned several times, that China is one of the greatest challenges in the 21st century. In 2020, in an interview with the New York Post, she said: “As we think about emerging threats, China is one of the most significant emerging threats that we face, not only in the United States but that we face when we’re partnered with our allies.”
Rep. Elise Stefanik has been a strong critic of China’s trade practices, advocating for the removal of China from U.S. supply chains and critical infrastructure, she has sponsored several hardline bills aimed at countering Chinese influence, including legislation targeting the Chinese drone manufacturer company, DJI.
The UN’s ambassador role is vital to global cooperation and security. Therefore, the US citizens, as well as the whole world, are patiently waiting for Trump’s final decision and choices.
