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China Identified as Major Threat to U.S., Says House Committee Member
EXCLUSIVE: Rep. Carlos Gimenez, who serves on the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), has declared that China poses the “greatest threat” to the United States. He expressed confidence that President-elect Donald Trump will prioritize a policy of “peace through strength” rather than “peace through appeasement.”
According to Gimenez, a Republican from Florida, the CCP represents a significant adversary that the U.S. must monitor closely, both from military and economic standpoints. “China is making remarkable advances globally,” he stated, highlighting the country’s impressive capabilities in production, particularly regarding defense materials and weaponry. He noted that these capabilities surpass those of the United States, revealing a concerning deficiency in U.S. readiness.
NATO Leader Calls for Increased Defense Production
Gimenez emphasized that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has exposed a decline in the U.S. defense capacity over previous decades. He remarked, “The situation in Ukraine illustrates that we could deplete our munitions rapidly if faced with an extended confrontation with China,” cautioning that China is equipped with the resources to outproduce the United States in naval capabilities.
As he assesses the current landscape, Gimenez pointed out that the U.S. is in a phase of needing to “catch up.” He explained, “We must modernize our operations at the Pentagon. This involves being more agile, collaborating with the private sector, and removing bureaucratic obstacles that hinder our defense capabilities.”
Critique of Current Administration’s China Strategy
In discussing the U.S. approach to the threats posed by China, Gimenez criticized the efforts of the Biden administration, particularly targeting President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. He suggested that their approach has allowed China to act with more freedom, claiming, “I believe that China perceived weakness from Biden and Blinken and thought they could proceed without consequence.” He contrasted this with Trump’s perspective, stating that Trump’s administration recognizes America’s allies and adversaries, committing to prioritizing U.S. security.
Gimenez emphasized Trump’s philosophy of “peace through strength,” which he believes will enhance national security.
The Importance of Energy Independence
Looking ahead, Gimenez stressed the significance of U.S. energy independence in countering threats from China. He articulated a vision for America to become the world’s key energy supplier, stating, “Our goal should be to make America the primary source of energy globally.” This strategy is believed to improve the U.S. economy and provide leverage in international relations.
“Harnessing our energy resources can serve as a powerful economic tool against adversaries,” he explained. By replacing Iranian and Venezuelan oil with American oil, Gimenez argued that the U.S. could weaken nations aligned with China, which would diminish their ability to support Chinese initiatives.
Ongoing Work of the House Select Committee
Gimenez remarked that the House Select Committee on the CCP has considerable work ahead. He acknowledged the growing threat from China and noted that the committee operates on a bipartisan basis, with members from both parties recognizing China as a significant challenge.
“Our greatest concern should not be climate change; it is China,” he asserted. “We must address this threat directly or risk living in a world dominated by the Chinese Communist Party.” He concluded with confidence in Trump’s capability to demonstrate strength and translate that into actionable policies.
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