Part 10/14:
This local economic decline has fueled fears of dependency on China, with political figures from both parties emphasizing the need for investment and resilience. Republican candidates like J.D. Vance rally against China, portraying it as a major adversary, while Democrats like Tim Ryan focus on bringing manufacturing back home through initiatives like the new Intel plant near Columbus, which promises thousands of jobs and modern infrastructure.
The focus on combating China’s economic rise has become a defining issue—more so than in previous elections—highlighting concerns about national security, job preservation, and technological competition.