Former Vice President Mike Pence supports Trump’s tough approach on trade

Former Vice President Mike Pence says President-elect Donald Trump isn’t bluffing in his threat to impose new tariffs on China and other countries.

Mr. Pence, speaking at a gala late Tuesday, said China is a rival and economic adversary to the U.S. but doesn’t need to be its enemy. He said the short-term pain of Mr. Trump’s tariffs on Chinese goods could produce long-term benefits.

“I fervently hope his proposed tariffs will bring China back to the negotiating table. It may be uncomfortable in the short term, but it will be well worth it in the long term. We want better for America and China — and Donald Trump’s firm but fair approach is the best way to get there,” Mr. Pence told the China General Chamber of Commerce, which represents Chinese enterprises in the U.S. 

Mr. Trump has threatened to impose a tariff of 60% on goods from China and 25% on products from Canada and Mexico if those countries do not control illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

Tariffs are a form of tax or duty paid on imports. Mr. Trump says tariffs are a great way to force companies to base or keep their operations in the U.S., employ American workers and create revenue to fund domestic programs.

While tariffs hurt foreign countries by making their products more expensive and harder to sell in the U.S., foreign countries don’t pay the tariffs directly to the U.S. Treasury.

Companies pay the levies and decide whether to pass along the cost to consumers through higher prices.

It is unclear if Mr. Trump will follow through on his threat or if he is trying to compel policy outcomes before he is inaugurated.

Mr. Pence said he knows Mr. Trump better than most. He believes the president-elect is serious about following through on his threat.

“The threats of additional tariffs are not a bluff, but with wise choices that look to the future, America’s relationship with China can ultimately improve — not in spite of President Trump’s tough approach to China, but because of it,” Mr. Pence said.

Mr. Pence served as Mr. Trump’s vice president from 2017 to 2021. They had a falling out when Mr. Trump, contesting his 2020 election loss, pressed Mr. Pence to send the electoral vote-counting process back to the states instead of certifying President Biden’s win.

Pro-Trump rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol during the certification on Jan. 6, 2021, with some shouting “Hang Mike Pence.”

Mr. Pence ran for president in the 2024 cycle but dropped out of the GOP primary. He did not endorse Mr. Trump during the election, though he is backing the incoming leader’s tariff approach.

“I no longer speak for the American government, but as a private citizen, I believe in free trade with free nations and using access to the most prosperous economy on earth to promote free and fair trade,” Mr. Pence said. “I strongly support President-elect Trump’s tough trade policies on China, and on other countries that reject our values and commitment to freedom.”