Jackson Purchase News

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell delivered remarks on the Senate floor today, addressing concerns about NATO and the strategic challenges posed by China. He emphasized the importance of America's European allies recognizing and responding to the threats from China's economic model.

“I’ve spoken frequently about the welcome signs that America’s European allies are waking up to the strategic challenge posed by the PRC, and to the dangers of predatory Chinese influence in their own backyards,” McConnell stated.

McConnell highlighted how European countries are becoming wary of China's statist economic system, which he described as stifling innovation and free enterprise. He pointed out encouraging developments such as Germany's security strategy acknowledging the Chinese threat and efforts across the EU to reduce reliance on Chinese technologies.

However, McConnell expressed concern that progress is not uniform across all NATO members. He criticized Hungary for its increasing alignment with adversaries like Moscow, Beijing, and Tehran. “I’ve spoken before about Hungary’s decade-long drift into the orbit of the West’s most determined adversaries. It’s an alarming trend,” he said.

McConnell accused Hungarian officials of publicly supporting China’s ambitions in Europe and blocking EU efforts to reduce dependence on Chinese industry. He cited significant investments from Chinese enterprises in Hungary as evidence of this troubling relationship.

He also condemned Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's praise for Russian President Vladimir Putin amid Russia's aggression against Ukraine. “Viktor Orban describes the regime that has sacrificed tens- if not hundreds of thousands of Russian lives...as ‘hyper-rational’,” McConnell remarked.

Furthermore, McConnell criticized Hungary's ties with Iran, including economic cooperation despite international sanctions. “Hungary’s Foreign Minister has bemoaned that ongoing international sanctions make it ‘really challenging to build effective economic and trade cooperation’ with the world’s most active state sponsor of terror,” he noted.

In conclusion, McConnell warned against subservience to autocratic regimes, stating: “Subservience to revanchist powers is not an American value. But far more importantly, it is not in America’s interests.”