Lindsey Graham: A Leading Republican Hawk

News reports in China on the death of Lindsey Graham, U.S. senator for South Carolina, emphasize the loss for the Republican Party’s aggressive foreign policy faction. Graham passed away Saturday due to a sudden illness, as confirmed by his office the following day.

Chinese official media, including Xinhua News Agency, are closely monitoring the contest for Graham’s vacant Senate seat. His push for a robust U.S. presence globally aimed to counteract adversaries like China.

Critic of Chinese Influence

Graham voiced concerns over China’s defense collaboration with Russia and held Beijing accountable for the COVID-19 outbreak. He warned against the Chinese Communist Party’s influence in U.S. national and state politics.

Throughout his visits in the Pacific region, Graham supported U.S. interests in Taiwan and criticized China’s economic practices, prompting the Trump administration’s trade wars.

Contrasting Views with Trump

Though Graham aligned with President Trump, their foreign policy beliefs diverged. Ren Yi, a Chinese nationalist commentator, noted that Trump backed a multipolar global order, while Graham supported the U.S.’s postwar hegemony, displaying hostility towards China.

Ren expressed that Graham’s death symbolizes the decline of American unipolarity.

Graham: A ‘Triple Hawk’

In China, Graham is dubbed the ‘triple hawk’ for his hard stance on Russia, Iran, and China.

Graham supported Trump’s decision to initiate conflict with Iran and staunchly backed Israel and Ukraine. His last public appearance in Kyiv involved urging China to help stop Russia’s military actions.

Chinese broadcaster CCTV referred to Graham as the GOP’s ‘hawk’ on Capitol Hill. Graham recently co-sponsored a bill imposing economic penalties on China for purchasing Russian oil and gas.

Views from China

On Weibo, an AI-generated summary highlighted Graham’s legislative hostility toward China, generating criticism from Chinese netizens. Hu Xijin, a former editor in China, noted Graham’s frequent mentions in China despite his negative image.

Support for Taiwan

While Graham did not publicly challenge U.S. ambivalence on Taiwan military intervention, he showed strong bipartisan backing for Taiwan in Congress.

State-run Chinese media condemned Graham for promoting Taiwan’s security aid linked to U.S. trade relations. In Taipei, Graham urged purchases of Boeing jets and supported U.S.-Taiwan economic interests through aid and major non-NATO ally status.

Following Trump’s summit with Xi Jinping, Graham encouraged heightened U.S. support for Taiwan to avoid conflict and maintain the status quo.

Reactions to Graham’s Death

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te and former leader Tsai Ing-wen expressed sorrow over Graham’s passing, recognizing him as a steadfast friend to Taiwan.

Trump announced flags at half-mast for a week to honor Graham, who led the Senate Budget Committee without facing Chinese sanctions.