Deep Dive
Why is bipartisanship crucial in addressing U.S.-China competition?
Bipartisanship is essential for winning the strategic competition with China across economic, technological, and military fronts. It ensures a unified approach to countering China's aggressive stance, particularly in areas like Taiwan, the South China Sea, and economic dominance.
What is the main concern with TikTok's ownership by ByteDance?
The primary concern is that ByteDance, controlled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), could use TikTok to access sensitive U.S. data, given China's national security laws requiring private entities to act as surveillance tools upon request.
How did the TikTok divestiture law fare in Congress?
The TikTok divestiture law passed with overwhelming support, receiving 360 votes in the House and approval in the Senate before being signed into law by President Biden.
Why did the DC Circuit Court of Appeals uphold the TikTok divestiture law?
The court upheld the law due to concerns over the CCP's history of hacking U.S. databases and the potential for similar data breaches through TikTok, given China's national security laws.
What is the issue with Chinese-made internet routers in the U.S.?
Chinese-made routers, like TP-Link, are widely used in the U.S. due to their low cost, but they pose a national security risk as they may contain backdoors allowing the CCP to access data for spying or disruption purposes.
What role do drones play in the U.S.-China technology competition?
Drones, particularly those made by Chinese company DJI, dominate the U.S. market and pose similar national security risks as routers and other Chinese-made tech, given China's national security laws.
How does the committee propose balancing national security with affordable Chinese goods?
The committee emphasizes that national security cannot be sacrificed for cheap goods. They advocate for developing a domestic industry and trusted partners to produce safer alternatives without the need for higher costs.
What are the key gaps the committee aims to address in the next session of Congress?
The committee focuses on improving the U.S. legal immigration system, workforce training, basic research and development, and strengthening the defense industrial base to maintain U.S. competitiveness and deterrence against China.
How serious is the Taiwan issue in U.S.-China relations?
The Taiwan issue is very serious, particularly as China's economic and demographic challenges may push Xi Jinping to use force after 2027. The U.S. must strengthen deterrence and maintain dialogue to prevent conflict.
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