| Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) released the following statement after the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission released its annual report to Congress with recommendations for U.S. action:
“The year’s report presents an alarming outline in contrasts between China and the United States. While China is rapidly building its military muscle, the U.S. seems set on course to reduce ours. While China is building missiles with the capability to attack and close down five of our bases in the Pacific region, and bolstering a missile arsenal that threatens U.S. aircraft carriers, the U.S. has placed $100 billion in defense and national security efforts on the chopping block. With double-digit investment in its military on earlier timetables than originally anticipated, it will not be long before China’s naval force is larger than our own.
“But the contrast does not stop there. At a time when our nation faces the largest deficits in history, the Chinese are quietly and aggressively expanding their global power in other areas – stationing Chinese ‘civilians’ in the Sudan to guard oil pipelines, purchasing farmland abroad to ensure food security, and rapidly purchasing U.S. debt.
“These contrasts should warrant great concern. China is rapidly closing the gap on military and economic power. The totality of China’s efforts should be a key indicator that the United States had better be changing our readiness capability and placing high priority on public policy that addresses these emerging challenges.”
The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission annual report found the following:
- “Chinese officials perceive that China’s self-described role as ‘America’s banker’ has granted the Chinese government at least some leverage over Washington’s policy decisions,” according to anecdotal evidence.
- China has increased its inventory of short- and medium-range missiles, which provides a “dramatic increase in China’s ability to inhibit U.S. military operations in the region.”
- China continues to maintain an export-driven economy through policies such as undervaluation of its currency.
- China “is in the final stages of developing a ballistic missile capable of targeting U.S. aircraft carriers.”
- In addition to increasing the number of missiles, China is also extending their range, improving their accuracy, and increasing their payload.
A full copy of the report is available here.
Congressman Forbes is the top Republican on the House Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee and is founder and chairman of the Congressional China Caucus. |
American Report 