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What the Democratic midterms sweep changes for U.S.-China relations

Analysts said Democrats' majorities in the House and Senate could raise the risk of U.S.-China tensions over Taiwan and harden tech competition, though most new officials will not take office until January. Before then, Trump and Xi are likely to meet twice, in Shenzhen this month and in Miami next month, to maintain their fragile truce. Democrats may push to remove Trump's tariffs and take a more hawkish China policy through hearings and legislation, especially on economic security and Taiwan, though the executive branch's wide latitude will constrain them. Taiwan, home to TSMC, is seen as the most dangerous issue, and Congress has repeatedly pursued Taiwan initiatives even when administrations were more cautious. On tech, a broader consensus in Washington that America's technological lead should not strengthen China's military or strategic capabilities could make technology a growing source of friction.

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