Biden Admin Undergoing Interagency Review of Trump-Era China Restrictions, Policies

The Joe Biden administration has begun a comprehensive review of U.S. trade policies involving China, including several of the restrictions imposed by the Trump administration during its final months, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said. Among those restrictions is the export controls placed on goods destined for Huawei (see 2012210044).

“Those complex reviews are just starting,” Psaki told reporters Jan. 25, adding that the Biden administration plans to consult with Republican and Democratic lawmakers as well as U.S. allies. “We're starting from an approach of patience as it relates to our relationship with China.”

Psaki said the new administration will develop a “comprehensive strategy” and a “more systematic approach that actually addresses the full range of these issues.” She said the administration is reviewing Huawei’s place on the Entity List, the status of pending license applications related to Huawei (see 2101150062) and other China-related trade restrictions, but did not say whether any changes will be made. “We want to look at them carefully,” Psaki said. “We’ll be committed to approaching them through the lens of ensuring we're protecting U.S. data and America's technological edge.”

Psaki stressed that Biden views China as a “strategic” competitor and has been critical of China’s illegal trade practices, including its theft of intellectual property, industrial espionage and forced technology transfers. “The President's view is we need to play better defense, which must include holding China accountable for its unfair and illegal practices and making sure that American technologies aren't facilitating China's military buildup,” Psaki said. She added that Biden is “committed to stopping China's economic abuses,” and said “the most effective way to do that is through working in concert with our allies and partners.”