Aug 23 2008
joe biden’s china stances
Well, I said no politics this time. I apologize. It was too good to pass up a chance to talk about Joe Biden, the VP pick for Barack Obama and senator from Delaware (D). On the Issues does a good job summarizing some of his stances by taking quotes from various debates and speeches he gave in the past. While not a sure-fire indicator, it gives you some ideas into his thought process.
On China economic v. human rights policy:
Q: Many presidential candidates have talked tough about China and its human rights record in the past but, in the end, favor securing our economic interest rather than risk upsetting China. How would you balance human rights and trade with China?
A: I’ve been pushing, on the Foreign Relations Committee for the last seven years, that we hold China accountable at the United Nations. At the UN, we won’t even designate China as a violator of human rights. Now, what’s the deal there? We talk about competition in terms of trade. It’s capitulation, not competition. Name me another country in the world that we would allow to conduct themselves the way China has, and not call them on the carpet at the UN
Q: So you would call them on th[e] carpet?
A: Absolutely.
What does this tell us? Very little other than that he too thinks human rights is a big issue. But really, this is quite vague.
On Chinese imports:
If I were president, I’d shut down any imports from China, period, in terms of their toys — flat shut it down. Imagine if this was Morocco selling us these toys, we would have shut it down a year ago. They have mortgage on our house because Bush mortgaged us to a $1 trillion to them. He is responsible for this. This is outrageous.
So is Joe Biden working for Trader Joes? No. This has got to be one of either (1) the most pandering to American products safety rhetoric or (2) the most idiotic statements I’ve heard in a while. Ever checked out Not Made in China Toys website? Do you really think consumers will buy these toys instead of stuff made in China? No way. And any parent will tell you otherwise. Cooler, more innovative, and cheaper toys? They will sell any day. That’s economics.
And if Biden really thinks that he alone can shut down Chinese imported toys, he’s going to have another one coming to him. It won’t happen. So I really hope that this is overblown rhetoric. If not, then perhaps a course in basic macroeconomics would be necessary.
So is George W. really responsible for the national trade deficit? Some. But really… did you expect anything different? American consumers want cheaper prices. Guess where we get those products? If you said Vietnam, I’d say maybe in the future. But for now, China is our go-to place for sourcing. Is it really the president? Or is it also global economic forces, multinational corporations, and consumers who want to save money? I’d take the latter answer any day.
At least Biden has the rhetoric thing going for him. Just like Obama…
So how would Joe Biden accomplish such a task?
Q: Would you call for tariffs to protect American consumers from unsafe products from China? Are you willing to go there?
A: I’m not. No, I’m not willing to go there. You don’t need to start a tariff war. All you have to do is enforce the law. Enforce the law.
Well, the guy has a law degree. So I need to ask: what law are you talking about? Is this really a China issue? Or perhaps the US FDA needs to move its tail on those inspections that it never did. Or perhaps large conglomerates need more QC? Is this really a legal enforcement issue? As you can tell, I think the answer is no. It’s not that simple.
So yes, Joe Biden has been recognized a foreign policy leader. What sort of leader, that remains to be seen. But as to his public China stances, I must say: no thank you. But then again, I’m not surprised Obama chose someone like this…
Yeah, it’s the usual tough-on-China rhetoric that all the candidates make – especially during Democratic primary season. As we’ve seen in the past, once they get elected to the White House these statements and promises disappear.
[...] to the other momentous news of the moment: Obama’s veep choice Joe Biden, and where he stands on China [China Esquire] –Sky Canaves Permalink | Trackback URL: [...]
> Or perhaps the US FDA needs to move its tail on those inspections that it never did.
I think that’s what he was talking about.
> Cooler, more innovative, and cheaper toys?
I don’t think China designs cooler or more innovative toys. Cheap, yes, but not the other two.
[...] joe biden’s china stances at China Esquire Obama made a good choice with Biden. Biden can cover a lot of Obama’s weaknesses. Let’s hope Obama makes another good choice in his China people. [...]
Look for the anti-China rhetoric to switch focus from product safety to job loss. As the economy shifts (ie – falls) it will be less about consumption and more about income. Still all negative and mostly inaccurate, but different.
[...] see Tom Chow on Joe Biden’s China views during the primaries. And see me on views espoused by the Democratic candidates during the NPR primary [...]
[...] see Tom Chow on Joe Biden’s China views during the primaries. And see me on views espoused by the Democratic candidates during the NPR primary debate. Rating [...]
He didn’t do his homework, and copied from the rest of the politicians.
I agree with all of the commenters who say that its just anti-China rhetoric for the campaign season. It just irks me that politicians have to do this to win votes from uneducated voters, and can still get away with this garbage. (outside of the “read my lips” stuff for which George H.W. got skewered)
Micah:
I should clarify–the cooler, more innovative toys are often being sold by American companies and other MNCs, but still made in China. Until other areas like Vietnam really step up their infrastructure, Made in China will be the dominant reality for toy companies in the near future.
Also, my thought is that Biden could also be referring to other sorts of enforcement like criminal prosecutions for faulty toys. (like the pet food cases) But the problem is that its not clear what he is talking about… and again, he is blowing a lot of hot air.
[...] joe biden’s china stances | CHINA ESQUIRE – Senator Joe Biden, the Democrat vice presidential candidate, on China [...]
[...] Joe Biden’s China Stances - at China Esquire. [...]
I feel personally represented by Biden’s stance on China, and am glad to learn of the hard-line that, theoretically, he would take with it. I feel very strongly that America needs to back away from China, and yes, I do feel that Bush (and Clinton before him) have capitulated to China, and that the house has been mortgaged to China (they possess billions in Fannie Mae and Fannie Mac bonds).
It should be pointed out to the editor that nowhere in the material quoted by Biden does he blame Bush for the trade deficit. Clearly, he only mentions that too much debt has been bought up by China. Sloppy of you.
Though the feasibility of decoupling from the Chinese economy is highly dubious- not as long as China can provide reasonable quality goods at a bargain price – the next administration (Obama/Biden) has to find a way to back out of China.
Ant:
If you were thinking I was the sloppy one, then I don’t think that was the case. I am merely collecting quotes from On the Issues, but I frankly don’t have the time to pull speech transcripts and see where and when Biden identifies Bush. I don’t think its a sloppiness issue as much as it is an efficiency one.
But in terms that Bush and Clinton capitulated to China, I do agree that they have. However, my concern is that the next administration (which could be McCain/Palin for that matter) won’t really be able to do all that much anyways. I tend to think that its economics and MNC’s that have far more influence than a presidential administration, and I really don’t see any alternatives. Until American consumers are willing to pay higher prices (not going to happen), China… or whatever country becomes the next China, will maintain its grip on America.