In a recent hearing held by the bipartisan House Select Committee, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta shed light on the growing alliance between the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and America's adversaries - Russia, North Korea, and Iran. The focus of the hearing revolved around the alignment of these nations and the potential threats it poses to U.S. interests.
The committee discussed various concerning developments, highlighting the transfer of Iranian drones to Russia for use in killing Ukrainian civilians, the flow of Russian energy to China, Chinese semiconductors being utilized by the Russian defense industry, and the exchange of Iranian oil between Russia and China. Such collaborative efforts aim to undermine crucial factors vital to the United States.
Secretary Pompeo emphasized during his testimony that the United States has lost its deterrence model. He expressed concerns regarding the diminishing influence of the U.S. in Europe, the Middle East, and the potential decline of its position in Asia. Secretary Panetta further emphasized the need for the United States to strengthen its alliances, support Taiwan through arming and training, and enhance its military presence.
The hearing also coincided with debut meetings in Beijing aimed at addressing the flow of chemicals used in the production of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid responsible for the deaths of over 146,000 Americans between 2021 and 2022 alone. The United States and China have initiated a counter-narcotics partnership; however, it is worth noting that historically, the CCP has denied any responsibility for the synthetic opioid crisis.
Both Secretary Pompeo and Secretary Panetta voiced concerns over the aggressive behavior displayed by China and Russia, particularly when they perceive weakness on the part of the United States. It was emphasized that engaging with these nations from a standpoint of strength is crucial in efforts to avoid conflict.
Despite increased military and economic dialogues, the need to address the growing alignment between the CCP, Russia, North Korea, and Iran remains a pressing concern. The testimonies presented reinforced the importance of bolstering alliances, maintaining strong military preparedness, and ensuring a robust posture towards these adversarial actors.
The hearing served as a platform to raise awareness and promote discussions on the critical strategic challenges faced by the United States. It highlighted the necessity for proactive measures to counter the growing influence of the CCP and its alignment with America's adversaries. As global dynamics continue to evolve, it becomes increasingly evident that addressing China and other adversaries requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to protect vital U.S. interests.
