Trump picks new team: See who will shape America's future China relations

The soon-to-be Trump administration is taking shape with key appointments that signal a tough-minded approach toward China (except for one surprising pick)

Marco Rubio brings his anti-Beijing record to the State Department. Known for pushing back against Chinese tech and supporting Taiwan heʼs got sanctions from China that might make his job extra-tricky; though hes lately moved closer to Trumps less-ideology-driven views

Mike Waltz‚ the new national security advisor has a clear-cut view: China is the main focus. A former Green Beret he thinks US should pay less attention to Ukraine and more to Indo-Pacific region. Last fall he compared Chinas military build-up to 1930s Germany - which shows his world-view

The pick of Fox News host Pete Hegseth for defense secretary raised some eye-brows in DC. While he hasnt held public office before; he often talks about Chinaʼs military growth and its long-term plans to beat USA (as he said on a popular podcast)

Wall Street veterans Scott Bessent and Howard Lutnick will handle money matters. Bessent wants slow-and-steady tariffs to avoid price jumps; while Lutnick backs tough trade moves - even though his company BGC has China connections

The wild-card is Elon Musk‚ whos got a special spot in the new govʼt efficiency department. His Tesla factory in Shanghai and pro-China comments make him different from other picks:

• He runs the only foreign car company with full control of its China plant
• Called himself kind-of pro-China
• Opposed tariffs on Chinese electric cars

Lee Zeldin‚ picked to lead EPA comes from running a China-focused think tank; but wont have much say in Beijing policy

Its like we are in Xi Jinping land What matters is what Xi says and what he writes I think the same is going to be true for the Trump administration