Nikki Haley Calls Xi Jinping's China 'Biggest Threat' To US: 'We Have To Take Them Incredibly Seriously'

GOP presidential candidate and former ambassador to the U.N., Nikki Haley, urged American companies to perceive China not merely as an economic competitor but as a national security menace. She emphasized that China represents “the biggest threat we’ve had since Pearl Harbor.”

What Happened: Haley, during an interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” emphasized the urgency of addressing the China issue.

She urged companies to have a “Plan B” in case China decides to “pull the rug out from under us.”

"I think China's an enemy. I think we have to take them incredibly seriously. And the problem is, you can look at dollars and cents or you can look at a threat to America," she said.

Haley also criticized Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen‘s view of the U.S.-China relationship as not being a “winner take all” contest, stating that such a perspective indicates a lack of understanding of China.

"To even say that means you don't understand China."

Why It Matters: Haley’s comments build on her previous hawkish stance towards China, where she advocated for U.S. businesses to reduce their dependence on China and strengthen ties with U.S. allies such as India, Japan, and South Korea.

Haley’s comments come amidst her ongoing campaign for the Republican presidential nomination. She has consistently positioned herself as a strong opponent of China, criticizing its human rights record and trade policies. Haley’s focus on foreign policy, particularly her stance on China, is a key part of her campaign strategy to distinguish herself in a competitive Republican field.

She has previously criticized former President Donald Trump‘s policy on China, accusing him of showing “moral weakness” in his dealings with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

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