Jackson Purchase News

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell criticized the Biden Administration's approach to competition with China, stating that it has failed to live up to its promise of "vigorous" competition. McConnell highlighted the importance of this competition, emphasizing that it will determine the course of American history for the next century.

McConnell pointed out that China has been outpacing the United States in military capabilities such as hypersonics, long-range fires, and naval vessels. Additionally, China has secured a significant share of rare minerals needed for critical supply chains. He also raised concerns about Chinese agents stealing sensitive Western technologies and government secrets, as well as China's disregard for national sovereignty, human rights, and the free flow of commerce.

The Republican leader criticized the Biden Administration for prioritizing green climate policy over competition with China. He argued that the administration's focus on transitioning the American automobile industry to electric vehicles has resulted in American tax dollars being sent to Chinese industries dominating battery-making inputs. McConnell also highlighted the administration's failure in climate diplomacy, where its envoys were "laughed out of Beijing" by a state that continues to increase carbon emissions.

McConnell expressed concern about the consequences of the Biden Administration's neglect for American hard power. He noted that China is acquiring new weapons at a much faster rate than the United States and has been increasing its military spending year after year. Despite identifying China as "the pacing threat," the Biden Administration's defense budget requests have not kept up with inflation.

The Republican leader criticized Chairman Xi for aligning closely with adversaries of the West, including joint military exercises with Putin's forces and supporting Moscow and Tehran against Western sanctions. McConnell stressed that China has made military competition with the West a top priority and warned that this challenge cannot be ignored.

While America's allies in the Indo-Pacific region, such as Japan, South Korea, and Australia, are investing heavily in their own defense, McConnell argued that the United States must also continue to do its part. He called for continued investment in a strong defense industrial base to sustain armament and strengthen the military for effective deterrence.

McConnell concluded by highlighting the opportunities before the Senate to invest in defense through supplemental measures and full-year defense appropriations. He emphasized the urgency of seizing these opportunities, stating, "We can't afford not to."

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=3ED948E3-5F1C-43F5-B96F-369ECC2953D9