Senator John Hoeven has joined Senator Jim Risch and other Senate Republican colleagues in urging President Biden to take a firm stance against China ahead of his meeting with President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit. The group released a statement highlighting concerns about China’s economic practices and its impact on U.S. national security.
“There is no such thing as ‘healthy’ economic competition with China. That reality should be obvious to the casual observer after decades of China’s rampant intellectual property theft, massive subsidization of key industries, and coercive treatment of U.S.-based and international firms,” the statement reads.
The senators argue that providing economic support to Xi Jinping would be unwise given China’s current economic challenges. They emphasize the importance of strengthening the U.S. economy against China’s actions and collaborating with partners who can create genuine opportunities.
“The United States should not throw any sort of economic lifeline to Xi Jinping after the mess he has made of the Chinese economy,” they assert. “If we are serious about competing with China, we should focus on hardening our economy against China’s abuses.”
The group also criticizes Biden’s decision to meet Xi without securing commitments from China on critical issues such as fentanyl or ensuring the release of wrongfully detained Americans like Mark Swidan, David Lin, and Kai Li.
“Biden agreeing to another Xi meeting without the release of wrongfully detained Americans and any commitments by China on fentanyl is astounding,” they state. “Lopsided economic engagement should not be of greater priority than securing the release” of these individuals.
Furthermore, they stress the importance of maintaining a firm policy on Taiwan, arguing that past concessions have been detrimental in U.S.-China relations.
“Finally, it is paramount that Biden and his administration don’t give an inch on U.S. policy on Taiwan,” they warn. “Few issues are more urgent than ensuring Taiwan has the capabilities and training it needs to deter Chinese aggression.”
Joining Hoeven and Risch in this call are Senators Bill Hagerty, Chuck Grassley, Thom Tillis, Kevin Cramer, Ted Cruz, Steve Daines, Dan Sullivan, Katie Britt, Rick Scott, Marsha Blackburn, Deb Fischer, Lindsey Graham, Ted Budd, Marco Rubio, Pete Ricketts, John Cornyn, Eric Schmitt, John Barrasso, Roger Wicker, and Tim Scott.
