What the U.S. must do to confront an increasingly aggressive China

OPINION:

For far too long, the United States has sat back and watched the Chinese Communist Party rise with unchecked power. Whether it’s steamrolling Hong Kong, buying influence in developing countries, or taking space exploration to a new level, China is in a state of endless preparation and acquisition.

The problem for the U.S. is that we have been caught flat-footed as the CCP rises and we fail to grasp the future consequences of our own inaction. It is high time we answer the aggression of China and understand that every move they make is calculated and strategic in nature.

Let’s take, for example, the CCP’s recent purchases of American farmland. Beijing has already swallowed up more than 3% of farm real estate in the U.S. and will conceivably go after more. But what should sound the alarm is their activity in North Dakota. The CCP bought a property just north of Grand Forks, which just so happens to neighbor Grand Forks Air Force Base. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out the strategy behind purchasing this land and the endless national security consequences that may come from it.

There is also the overwhelming hostility China has leveled at Taiwan. When U.S. lawmakers have taken diplomatic trips to our friend and democratic ally Taiwan, the response from Beijing has been military provocations and the launching of missiles over the Pacific island. This is simply unacceptable, and it is setting the stage for warfare if China decides to invade.

When looking at China’s recent aggressive acts, one can connect the dots to the impending economic and demographic collapse that the CCP is facing. We know their draconian one-child policy has backfired and is causing a population decline that will wreak havoc on the economic prowess and productivity of this communist country. Similar trends are clear across Europe as well, but we must take China more seriously. This is a regime hellbent on No. 1 superpower status, and they have been maneuvering to attain that for decades.

This all raises the question of what the United States can do in response.

First and foremost, we must stop cozying up to President Xi Jinping as he moves against the West and its allies. That means ending reliance on China and ensuring that America is equipped to bring back business rather than continuing to outsource it. Next, we should end our critical mineral reliance on China, which is fueling their technological production, and instead look to mining and drilling for the resources here in the United States. 

Our allies will thank us when we export to them rather than forcing them to deal with aggressors that are within striking distance of their homeland. Finally, we need to stand by our friends overseas that are staring down the barrel of Chinese attacks. That includes Taiwan, Hong Kong, and every other free state under imminent threat.

Let me conclude and make something very clear: The CCP is no friend to the United States or those around the world who cherish freedom. That is why we need to respond, and while these ideas are not going to solve every problem we have with China, they are a strong foundation that allows the U.S. to take a first step in the right direction.

• Rep. Lisa McClain is a politician serving as the U.S. representative for Michigan’s 10th Congressional District since 2021.