Ron DeSantis Dubbed 'Medium-Sized Trump' By Xi Jinping's Mouthpiece: 'Will Only Create More Noise'

Xi Jinping‘s mouthpiece has recently downplayed the significance of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, referring to him as a “medium-sized version of Trump” that poses little threat to China.

What Happened: Ding Gang, a foreign affairs columnist for the state-run Global Times, described DeSantis as an “M-size Trump” in comparison to the “L-size” former President Donald Trump.

“If the large-sized Trump did not significantly impact China, there is no need to worry about the smaller-sized Trumps as all they do will only create more noise,” Ding said.

He criticized DeSantis’ policies, stating they offer nothing new in terms of managing U.S.-China relations and are merely a continuation of previous stances.

“His proposals to end China’s preferential trade status, ban the export of US intellectual property and prevent US companies from sharing key technologies with China are no different from what Trump has already done and what the Democratic Party’s Biden administration is doing.”

See Also: DeSantis Distances Himself From Trump’s 2020 Election Theories

Why It Matters: DeSantis has endeavored to adopt a stern stance towards China. In May, he approved a bill that prohibits Chinese nationals from purchasing land in Florida, citing apprehensions over the excessive acquisition of farmland by Chinese investors within the state.

Meanwhile, Trump, currently leading as the potential Republican presidential nominee, has also positioned himself as a vocal opponent of China in anticipation of the election.

However, his position on China has been examined by his competitors, including former United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley. In June, she criticized him for congratulating the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on its 70th anniversary.

Read Next: “I’m Not A No. 2 Guy,” Says Ron DeSantis About Becoming Trump’s 2024 Running Mate

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