Robert Lighthizer, the United States trade representative, has long been one of China's toughest critics. But since brokering a trade deal with Beijing in January, he has emerged as one of China’s biggest defenders within the administration.

Fascinating look from @anaswanson at Lighthizer’s evolving role in China debates. But I’d frame slightly differently: debate isn’t (only) hawks vs doves on China, but whether trade relationship should be linked to broader political goals or not (1/)

Before the trade deal, Lighthizer aligned on tactics w/ the admin’s uber hawks who favor a pressure-only approach vs China. With the Phase One trade deal, he’s more aligned w/ the admin’s few remaining globalists to preserve parts of the relationship.