In a recent interview, Pennsylvania Republican U.S. Senate candidate David McCormick outlined a series of tough actions that could be taken against China to address the growing concerns over the country's aggressive behavior. McCormick emphasized the importance of reducing America's dependence on China and ensuring that the nation does not support China's techno-authoritarian regime.
One of the key actions suggested by McCormick is to decrease reliance on lithium batteries, particularly in the context of the booming electric vehicle industry. He alerted to the potential dangers of repeating the same mistakes made with semiconductors and pharmaceuticals during the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the vulnerability of supply chains. Additionally, McCormick stressed the need to halt strategic purchases of American farmland, as this can be leveraged as a key strategic asset.
Another pressing issue McCormick highlighted was the alarming flow of fentanyl from China into the United States. This highly addictive synthetic opioid has caused devastation, claiming the lives of numerous Americans. By interdicting the flow of fentanyl and holding China accountable for its production and distribution, McCormick believes that American communities can be spared from the tragic consequences of this illicit drug trade.
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, McCormick called for China to be expelled from the World Health Organization (WHO). He criticized China's lack of transparency regarding the origins of the virus, which has complicated efforts to prevent future outbreaks and hold responsible parties accountable. McCormick emphasized that the United States cannot afford to continue relying on an organization that enables such behavior.
During the interview, McCormick also discussed the importance of addressing China's threats against Taiwan. To ensure the safety and stability of Taiwan, he proposed bolstering their defense capabilities and enhancing American military and economic strength as a deterrent. McCormick firmly believes that fostering American strength will make any aggressive actions against Taiwan unfeasible for China.
Despite the seemingly common-sense nature of these actions, McCormick expressed frustration that the issue has become partisan. He highlighted the lack of action from his opponent, incumbent Senator Bob Casey, who has been in office for 17 years without adequately addressing the China threat. McCormick urged the need for strong American leadership in countering China and emphasized the value of peace through strength and deterrence.
In the face of China's ascendancy and increasingly aggressive behavior, McCormick's proposed actions provide a framework for reducing dependence on China and protecting American interests. As the U.S. Senate election approaches, the discussions revolving around China’s influence and the actions needed to counter it are likely to continue dominating the political landscape.
