Mike Waltz: Donald Trump picks Mike Waltz as US NSA: What that means for China and India | World News

US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed a representative for Florida, signaling a tough stance towards China Mike Waltz as his new National Security Advisor (NSA). Waltz, a retired Army Green Beret with extensive experience in U.S. military operations and policy, has positioned himself as a harsh critic of China and an advocate for U.S. strategic preparedness in the Indo-Pacific region.
What it means for China
Waltz’s appointment underscores the new government’s commitment to addressing the “greater threat” posed by the Chinese Communist Party. Waltz had called for a US boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing because of the origins of Covid-19 and its mistreatment of Uyghurs.
In a recent Economist article co-authored before the election, Waltz and former Pentagon strategist Matthew Kroenig argued that America needs to shift its strategic focus from Europe and the Middle East to the Indo-Pacific. “The next president should act urgently to quickly end the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East and finally focus strategic attention where it should be: countering the larger threat posed by the Communist Party,” they wrote.
Waltz has consistently advocated for strengthening the U.S. military’s readiness to counter potential Chinese aggression, particularly toward Taiwan. In his Economist article, he wrote: “America is not building up military forces to deter a Chinese attack on Taiwan. It has cut defense spending in real terms, which has resulted in a shift in the balance of power in China’s favor.” He has called for a significant increase in defense spending and a revitalization of the U.S. defense industrial base, emphasizing a belief in comprehensive military readiness.
Waltz’s appointment comes at a time when U.S.-China relations are already strained, exacerbated by past trade wars, military action in the South China Sea and ideological confrontations.
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Indian-American Relations: A Positive Signal
Waltz’s appointment to a central role in the Trump administration not only signals a more forceful stance toward China, but also suggests that India-US relations are becoming even more critical. India, which has its own complex and contentious relationship with China, may view Waltz’s strategic direction as an accidental one.
Waltz’s appointment has a positive impact on India. As co-chair of the India Caucus in Congress, he has advocated for policies supporting U.S.-India relations. This dual role could bode well for New Delhi, especially given China’s assertive stance along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). India, seeking stronger defense and strategic cooperation with Washington, may see opportunities to deepen its partnership under an NSA that recognizes the strategic importance of an Indo-Pacific alliance.
The big picture
Waltz, 50, brings in-depth knowledge to the role of national security adviser. A retired Army colonel and Green Beret, he has extensive experience in combat operations and strategic defense, including multiple deployments to Afghanistan and policy work at the Pentagon under Secretaries Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates. Waltz is also a vocal supporter of an assertive U.S. military posture. His previous criticism of President Joe Biden’s handling of foreign policy, particularly the withdrawal from Afghanistan, underscores his belief in maintaining U.S. global strength and readiness.
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Trump’s decision to bet on Waltz is consistent with his broader vision of “America First” – a doctrine that puts U.S. strength, security and economic interests above multilateral commitments that Trump finds disproportionately burdensome. This approach could unsettle NATO allies who remember Trump’s previous skepticism about the alliance. During his first term, Trump questioned the value of NATO, suggesting at one point that the U.S. might reconsider its participation if members failed to meet defense spending targets. This rhetoric, often seen as undermining Article V of the NATO treaty, caused tension in Europe. Waltz’s views on focusing resources on China could reignite concerns among European allies about a shift in U.S. priorities away from traditional partnerships.
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Trump’s appointment of Waltz is part of a broader wave of major decisions shaping his second administration. Other appointments include Elise Stefanik as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and Tom Homan as “border czar,” each reflecting Trump’s “America First” principles. The addition of Waltz, a veteran military officer with extensive experience in foreign policy, underscores the administration’s prioritization of hard power and strategic competition over diplomacy-first approaches.
For China, Waltz’s hawkish views will raise concerns because they signal that the U.S. government is less willing to compromise. For India, this is an opportunity to strengthen a strategic partnership that counters common threats. While Beijing may step up its regional initiatives such as the Belt and Road and military exercises in the South China Sea, the Indo-American alignment under Waltz’s advisory will likely serve as a countervailing force.
What’s next?
The coming months will set the tone for U.S. foreign policy, with Waltz playing a critical role in shaping strategies to strengthen military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific. Expect diplomatic relations with India and a strong focus on improving defense relations. This could lead to new bilateral agreements, joint military operations and coordinated policies in regional forums such as the Quad. NATO and European allies may need to recalibrate their own strategies as U.S. resources focus on countering China.
(With contributions from agencies)