Democratic-led US Congress to turn up heat on Beijing over AI, Taiwan: analyst

A Democratic-led US Congress is set to intensify pressure on Beijing over Taiwan, artificial intelligence (AI) and export controls, according to a Chinese analyst. Zhao Minghao, a professor at Fudan University’s Institute of International Studies, noted that the recent US midterm elections were a "blue tsunami" and "big win" for Democrats, giving the party control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

This shift in power could lead to more aggressive investigations into President Donald Trump, his family, and senior officials once the new Congress convenes in January. While the overall direction of Washington’s China policy is expected to remain consistent, as bipartisan consensus supports strategic competition with Beijing, the tools used to pursue this objective may shift under Democratic leadership.

Zhao predicts that the new Congress will be more vocal in scrutinizing the Trump administration's China policy, including its diplomatic efforts with Beijing. The focus on AI and export controls is expected to be heightened under a Democratic-led Congress, as the party takes a more assertive stance against China. The analyst also suggested that the decline of Trump's political influence will further complicate the strategic relationship between China and the US, potentially challenging the progress made towards a stable relationship between the two nations.