arms sale:

Trump: Increasing US arms sales has always been a core focus of Trump and his administration's foreign policy. He took action to accelerate the review process of major weapon sales, making weapon exports easier, relaxing the standards for selling armed drones under the missile technology control regime, and instructing US diplomats to advocate for US arms purchases. He pushed forward several sales plans that were suspended during the Obama administration, which clashed with Congress over sales to other parties involved in the wars in Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Although Trump vigorously promotes the economic benefits of US arms sales to foreign countries, his idea is also to provide partners with a solution for the US to replace Russian and Chinese weapons in order to maintain US influence.

Biden: Although Biden has not yet made a clear statement on the overall arms sales issue, he has stated that he will end the support of the US military and other parties for the Saudi led war in Yemen. When he reevaluates US Saudi relations, he will end arms sales to Riyadh (which has always been the largest partner for US arms sales). Biden said, "We will make it clear that the United States will never again check its principles at the doorstep just to buy oil or sell weapons. In terms of gun exports, his campaign team has stated that he may overturn the Trump administration's rule to transfer jurisdiction from the State Department to the Department of Commerce.

NATO and Europe:

Trump: One of Trump's earliest foreign policy positions was a commitment to "make allies pay a fair share," particularly to have NATO member countries spend at least 2% of their gross domestic product on defense by 2024. The proportion of GDP is a target supported by NATO. Trump often misunderstands this promise as allies' default 'in paying American funds. Trump also pushed for strict trade rules with European countries, which has led to tense relations with European capitals.

Biden: Biden and his advisers stand in stark contrast to Trump, promising to repair damaged alliance relationships. Biden criticized Trump for causing tension in US European relations. He said that the next president must "restore our reputation, rebuild confidence in our leadership, and mobilize our country and allies to quickly respond to new challenges," promising that he will "take immediate measures to restore American democracy and alliances, and protect America's economic future." A senior foreign policy assistant said that Biden plans to re-examine the withdrawal of troops from Germany after taking office.

Great Power Competition:

Trump: The Trump administration's National Defense Strategy announces a new era of great power competition. However, despite including Russia on paper, the government's focus on the economy and military is entirely on China. After the outbreak of COVID-19, which the Republican president referred to as the "Chinese virus," Trump's rhetoric increased. The Pentagon is attempting to shift its focus and investment towards Pacific priorities militarily, while also withdrawing troops from Europe.

Biden: During his tenure in the Senate, Biden promoted better relations with China by enhancing business ties. But he now believes that China is the "biggest strategic challenge to the United States and its allies in Asia and Europe," which is one of the few areas he and Trump agree on. Biden referred to Chinese President Xi Jinping as a "thug" and promised to impose "swift economic sanctions" on China if attempting to influence American companies or citizens. Although Trump boasts about maintaining good relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, if he occupies the White House, one can expect to be different from Biden. The former vice president described Trump as a "follower" of Putin and talked about telling Putin directly, "I think you don't have a soul

The information about the candidates is compiled from a series of sources, including: defense news; Military Times; Al Monitor； Arms Control Association; International Policy Center; CNBC；CNN； Livable World Council; National Defense No.1; Foreign affairs; Arms Trade Forum; Los Angeles Times; American Officers Association; The New York Times; The New Yorker magazine; Reuters; Star Spangled Banner; associated press; Vox； Washington Examiner; The Washington Post.