Transcripts For CSPAN2 Senate Foreign Relations Hearing On U

Have deputy secretary of state Steven Biegun here to testify. Originally planned to hold this hearing back in march but the need to focus on covid19 prevented us from doing that even as we continue to address the pandemic and the impact on the u. S. Citizens. It is important this can many continue it to work on the most pressing Foreign Policy challenges and obviously chinas one of those. This is especially the case and the topic we are discussing today is a Trump Administration is correctly recognized china as a strategic and global pedant competitor of the United States it will be the greatest foreignpolicy challenge in the decades to come. The policies of the Chinese Communist partys undermined u. S. Interests and values including those we share with allies and partners around the world. Covid19 has brought this challenge to the fore front of american lyford we now know just how much the Chinese Communist partys decisions and actions directly affect u. S. Citizens, our allies and partners in the entire world. And we know not even a global pandemic. Chinas aggressive behavior whether that is in hong kong, the South China Sea, the indian border. Over the last three years a Trump Administration is taken more steps to put United States on a stronger pathing competing with china. Last because legacy long overdue sanctions on chinese calmness Party Officials for human rights abuses into bed and elsewhere. I was also pleased that we declared chinas claims in the South China Sea is unlawful and deployed to carrier battle groups there for exercises. And after the Chinese Communist party crushed hong kongs atomic, the president made the tough but necessary decision to end certain types of special treatment for hong kong. And made the administration published a report of the implementation of the china strategy that goes into more detail. So this is a good time for this committee to conduct oversight regarding our objectives, what we have done, and where we go from here. This is also an opportunity to discuss china legislation put forward by members of this committee and others. This week i introduce the strengthening trade regional alliances Technology Economic and geopolitical initiatives concerning china or the strategic expert is a comprehensive approach to china with concrete policies in several key areas of the competition. Ill describe some of them briefly. We must continue our focus on chinas anticompetitive economic policies by the Chinese Government engages in intellectual property theft massive financing of Chinese Companies. In the most abusive anti free market tactic of force technology, this is a horrible practice. Forced technology transfer. This is a horrible practice it is reprehensible. These policies are designed to push others out of the market and create monopolies. Innovative American Companies like micro Technology Note these challenges. Their intellectual property was sold by company who then patented that technology in china ensued micro. The strategic act has new tools to protect those caused by such policies among several other provisions free to maintain our economic and technological edge, its not just enough to push back at what china is doing. We also have to strengthen and invest in ourselves. In other committees i have focused on this issue by supporting legislation promoting u. S. Manufacturing of critical technologies, fortifying cybersecurity for infrastructure and small businesses, and strengthening our technology workforce. The strategic to act focuses on increasing Technology Collaboration with allies and partners. Americas the world hub for innovation and we can boost that innovation further by working with our highly capable partner partners. If we do, we will all be in a better position to develop technologists of future and ensure they are used to uphold individual freedom, human rights, and prosperity. Finally i went to stress the importance of deterrence. The United States of course does not seek any military confrontation with china. However chinas military is getting bigger, more capable of becoming more aggressive part in the Indo Pacific Region we should all be a lot more worried about the chinese commonest parties planned for taiwan given what it just its a hong kong. In addition to the South China Sea, japan faces almost daily incursions and pressure in the East China Sea. On the region, chinas belt Road Initiatives also help the Chinese Military expand its presence. We have to make it completely clear to the Chinese Communist party that we are willing and able to defend her interest. That means reaffirming our commitments to our indo pacific allies even if they need to take on a larger role in defending the interest we share. The strategic act focuses on key steps are advancing cooperation with their allies including advocating for several difficult but important policy changes. I want to stress that this bill i have introduced is not does not seek to block china. Rather, what it does is it offers prosperity. It offers an invitation to join the International Community and operate under the rule of law and under international norms. When that happens we will all prosper. We should not miss a bipartisan opportunity that we have today to address these things. I will close with a note about bipartisanship. Time and time again on everything from human rights to investment screening the senate has worked across the island china. Unfortunately in recent months that its become much harder part of a long road ahead of us in this competition we cannot allow partisanship to get in the way, even in an election year. Whatever happens in november, china will remain an issue. If we do not Work Together, the United States as a whole will be weaker paired i introduce this bill to push forward a serious and bipartisan conversation about the senates role in advancing an effective strategy of competition. I want to thank several of my colleagues on this committee from both sides of the aisle and joining me on that effort. There is both republican and democrat input into this bill, not only from this committee but also from the think tanks around washington d. C. Including democrats think tanks. I hope thisll be the start of more cooperation to come. But we get to a final bill, im very hopeful that that bill will contain items that everyone has an interest in. There has been a number of people that have introduced bills, i know the Ranking Member is about to introduce a bill and ive no doubt there are things there we can all embrace and i hope as we get to a final bill we will have things that we can embrace. And we can do that on a bipartisan basis and with that i will turn it over to Ranking Member senator menendez. Select thank you, mr. Chairman paid my thanks for joining us here today specially to has been so long since we had a Senior Administration witness before the committee. As you and i have discussed in the past, i think the administration is asking the right questions about china and the u. S. China relationship. Unfortunately however i find the Administration Strategies and policies fall well short of answering the enormity of the challenge. We need instead, as the title of this hearing suggests, an effective china strategy. The china of 2020 is not the china of 1972 or even the china of 20000 or 210. Its across every dimension of power, political, power, diplomatic, economic, innovative, military and even cultural it with an alternative and deeply disturbing model for global governance. China today is led by the commonest party is unlike any challenge we have faced as a nation before. Emboldened by the shortcomings and the enablement of the Trump Administration chinas more active and more assertive in the region and in the International Community than ever before. Indeed, just since this past march china has increased its patrols near the san conkle islands in the East China Sea as well as the coercive activities in the South China Sea. Conducted air and maritime controls intending to threaten taiwan, with india along the actual line of control with the Peoples Liberation army first use of force abroad in 30 years. Continue to implement a morally Repugnant Campaign genocide of cool oppression of the to button people and the crushing of its own civil liberties. Just yesterday released a report, the new big brother looking at how china stepped up its game and seeking to export a new model of digital authoritarianism and have new technologies to control its own citizens and people worldwide. But aside from bluster, rhetoric, and some hastily written sanctions, what has responsible for the ministration . The administration is now taking strong action on hong kong. But for months when people of hong kong needed us the president was silent. It was complicit in chinas erosion of hong kong a ptolemy happy to trade hong kong for his socalled trade deal. Along with the chairman, i welcome regular freedom of navigation assertions and the administration recent clarification on the South China Sea. The reality is over the past three years chinas aggression and coercion in the South China Sea has continued completely unchecked. The united kingdoms chains of policy was welcomed, i would suggest in spite us not because of us. And on trade and economic this administration is walked away from building regional architecture embrace the socalled phase one trade deal , which seemingly achieves nothing. Certainly does not address the core structural issues and the relationship and leaves us in the words of your own u. S. Trade representative one at what the end goal of your trade policy i is. And if he doesnt know that we all have a real problem. Arent taiwan i know that every year of the Obama Biden Administration there welcomed and i could go on. In short im that just being confrontational is the same thing as being competitive. That is my question and facts about the action the administration announced today in houston. I am all for safeguarding our National Security. I understand the importance of being tough with china. But being tough is the memes, not the end. So while there may be reason for taking this action and i look forward to a briefing on it in an appropriate setting, i want to understand better not just the tactical considerations but how this advances our strategy. What do we expect to have on chinas behavior. When china retaliates as they said they will, what will be our next move . Enter next after that . Im obviously not asking you to disclose specific actions which i know you wont shouldnt this is not a simple twostep dance so help me understand where you think this is all going. I asked is because there should be no doubt we are indeed in his top addition with china and the United States needs a new strategic framework and a new set of organizing principles to address the challenges of this new era. So far despite all the bluster, that affected new strategy has been utterly lacking from this administration. One of the core organizing principles i would suggest is the importance of working in close coordination with her allies and partners to develop a shared and effective approach to china. I have to say the administration has wrongheaded, alienated an attacking approach to our alliances has been one of the disheartening to witness these past several years. Our alliances, our partnerships, and the shared values on which they stand in our reliability the face of adversity are special source for effective Global Leadership in this value driven diplomacy is one of the reasons why senator rubio would not have join colleagues around the globe to form the International Parliamentary alliance of china to provide the vision and build relationships needed for our strategic success. I know you argued this president at the administration has been uniquely successful with china and i know youre good at your jobs. But facts are indeed stubborn things. Before the hearing devolves to a hearing bashing china and the World Health Organization for the covered pandemic, let me assure you that no one in this body has concerns regarding the chinas paranoid took terry lives and contribute to it spread . But blame game politics will not save american lives. Instead of relying on science and knowledge the administration has spent its energies finding fault and racially inflammatory rhetoric that both alienates us on the global stage including at the g7 and the un Security Council. If the administration is truly concerned about chinas maligned intent at the World Health Organization and elsewhere, there is a simple solution. Show up, take action. If the u. S. Leads others will follow. If we leave the field open, of our own country cannot develop a serious strategy at home, others like chinas are only too eager to step into the vacuum. I know the chairman, he is mentioned as introduced legislation with china i welcome his effort. As i mentioned in another hearing this morning im also work with colleagues on a bill to create a comprehensive china strategy. Crosscutting jurisdiction be on this committee including trade and Economic Issues and investments here at home which we plan to shortly introduce. Given the shortcomings of the president s bluster and tactics but no strategy approach to china, make comprehensive and integrated approach is needed. I expect to be many areas of the agreement between my bill in the chairman i look forward to working with him on a combined approach. And it is in this spirit, mr. Secretary, that i implore you today to engage beyond this hearing and a genuine conversation with us about how to Work Together to develop a comprehensive approach to china. To reset our strategy in our diplomacy. To reinvest and replenish the sources of National Strength and competitiveness at home. To place our partnerships and alleys first. That reflects our fundamental values as americans. Thank you, mr. Chairman. So thank you mr. Menendez i think in comparing her to statements we have much to agree on and overall i think we both agree this comprehensive strategy is needed as we go forward. I can assure you when you get that briefing i will certainly agree the closing was appropriate under the circumstances. With that i will turn to our witness, the honorable steven b. Who soared in december 2019 hes serving as a special representative north korea has a three decades of experience in both legislative branches, including the chief of staff of Senate Foreign relations committee. Deputy, we appreciate you being here today and invites you to have the floor. Thank you, mr. Chairman, thank you, senator menendez. I may ask for my full statement to be submitted to the record i would like to give a shorter time to give maximum time for questions from the members today. Certainly will include your full statement with the record. So thank you again for the invitation to testify again today. This is an important moment in u. S. China relations a secretary and i appreciate your serious focus on that of the whole committee and trying to shape a bipartisan approach to this vital policy manner. We recognize to be successful u. S. Policy towards the prc must be grounded in the institution and society. Mr. Chairman for this reason we welcome legislation introduced today, and senator menendez we look forward to seeing yours as well. These are designed to frame the United States strategic approach to the prc and other legislation passed by congress have provided us with crucial tools to advance our policies against a challenges we face. Across multiple administrations the United States has supported chinas entry into the rules based International Order in hopes china will be a partner in upholding international law, norms, institutions in the United States and china could have a friendly relationship with reciprocal benefit. For over three decades u. S. Policies have had a mass outpouring of assistance in letting their foreign investment, facilitation of chinese membership and global institutions, and the education of millions of chinas brightest scholars at our best universities. Where this administration to verges from previous administrations is the will to face the uncomfortable truth in u. S. china relations with the policy for the past three decades simply have not produced the outcomes for which so many had hoped. And that the United States much gem must take Decisive Action to counter the prc at this moment. As stated in the 2017 Steven Biegun<\/a> here to testify. Originally planned to hold this hearing back in march but the need to focus on covid19 prevented us from doing that even as we continue to address the pandemic and the impact on the u. S. Citizens. It is important this can many continue it to work on the most pressing Foreign Policy<\/a> challenges and obviously chinas one of those. This is especially the case and the topic we are discussing today is a Trump Administration<\/a> is correctly recognized china as a strategic and global pedant competitor of the United States<\/a> it will be the greatest foreignpolicy challenge in the decades to come. The policies of the Chinese Communist<\/a> partys undermined u. S. Interests and values including those we share with allies and partners around the world. Covid19 has brought this challenge to the fore front of american lyford we now know just how much the Chinese Communist<\/a> partys decisions and actions directly affect u. S. Citizens, our allies and partners in the entire world. And we know not even a global pandemic. Chinas aggressive behavior whether that is in hong kong, the South China Sea<\/a>, the indian border. Over the last three years a Trump Administration<\/a> is taken more steps to put United States<\/a> on a stronger pathing competing with china. Last because legacy long overdue sanctions on chinese calmness Party Officials<\/a> for human rights abuses into bed and elsewhere. I was also pleased that we declared chinas claims in the South China Sea<\/a> is unlawful and deployed to carrier battle groups there for exercises. And after the Chinese Communist<\/a> party crushed hong kongs atomic, the president made the tough but necessary decision to end certain types of special treatment for hong kong. And made the administration published a report of the implementation of the china strategy that goes into more detail. So this is a good time for this committee to conduct oversight regarding our objectives, what we have done, and where we go from here. This is also an opportunity to discuss china legislation put forward by members of this committee and others. This week i introduce the strengthening trade regional alliances Technology Economic<\/a> and geopolitical initiatives concerning china or the strategic expert is a comprehensive approach to china with concrete policies in several key areas of the competition. Ill describe some of them briefly. We must continue our focus on chinas anticompetitive economic policies by the Chinese Government<\/a> engages in intellectual property theft massive financing of Chinese Companies<\/a>. In the most abusive anti free market tactic of force technology, this is a horrible practice. Forced technology transfer. This is a horrible practice it is reprehensible. These policies are designed to push others out of the market and create monopolies. Innovative American Companies<\/a> like micro Technology Note<\/a> these challenges. Their intellectual property was sold by company who then patented that technology in china ensued micro. The strategic act has new tools to protect those caused by such policies among several other provisions free to maintain our economic and technological edge, its not just enough to push back at what china is doing. We also have to strengthen and invest in ourselves. In other committees i have focused on this issue by supporting legislation promoting u. S. Manufacturing of critical technologies, fortifying cybersecurity for infrastructure and small businesses, and strengthening our technology workforce. The strategic to act focuses on increasing Technology Collaboration<\/a> with allies and partners. Americas the world hub for innovation and we can boost that innovation further by working with our highly capable partner partners. If we do, we will all be in a better position to develop technologists of future and ensure they are used to uphold individual freedom, human rights, and prosperity. Finally i went to stress the importance of deterrence. The United States<\/a> of course does not seek any military confrontation with china. However chinas military is getting bigger, more capable of becoming more aggressive part in the Indo Pacific Region<\/a> we should all be a lot more worried about the chinese commonest parties planned for taiwan given what it just its a hong kong. In addition to the South China Sea<\/a>, japan faces almost daily incursions and pressure in the East China Sea<\/a>. On the region, chinas belt Road Initiative<\/a>s also help the Chinese Military<\/a> expand its presence. We have to make it completely clear to the Chinese Communist<\/a> party that we are willing and able to defend her interest. That means reaffirming our commitments to our indo pacific allies even if they need to take on a larger role in defending the interest we share. The strategic act focuses on key steps are advancing cooperation with their allies including advocating for several difficult but important policy changes. I want to stress that this bill i have introduced is not does not seek to block china. Rather, what it does is it offers prosperity. It offers an invitation to join the International Community<\/a> and operate under the rule of law and under international norms. When that happens we will all prosper. We should not miss a bipartisan opportunity that we have today to address these things. I will close with a note about bipartisanship. Time and time again on everything from human rights to investment screening the senate has worked across the island china. Unfortunately in recent months that its become much harder part of a long road ahead of us in this competition we cannot allow partisanship to get in the way, even in an election year. Whatever happens in november, china will remain an issue. If we do not Work Together<\/a>, the United States<\/a> as a whole will be weaker paired i introduce this bill to push forward a serious and bipartisan conversation about the senates role in advancing an effective strategy of competition. I want to thank several of my colleagues on this committee from both sides of the aisle and joining me on that effort. There is both republican and democrat input into this bill, not only from this committee but also from the think tanks around washington d. C. Including democrats think tanks. I hope thisll be the start of more cooperation to come. But we get to a final bill, im very hopeful that that bill will contain items that everyone has an interest in. There has been a number of people that have introduced bills, i know the Ranking Member<\/a> is about to introduce a bill and ive no doubt there are things there we can all embrace and i hope as we get to a final bill we will have things that we can embrace. And we can do that on a bipartisan basis and with that i will turn it over to Ranking Member<\/a> senator menendez. Select thank you, mr. Chairman paid my thanks for joining us here today specially to has been so long since we had a Senior Administration<\/a> witness before the committee. As you and i have discussed in the past, i think the administration is asking the right questions about china and the u. S. China relationship. Unfortunately however i find the Administration Strategies<\/a> and policies fall well short of answering the enormity of the challenge. We need instead, as the title of this hearing suggests, an effective china strategy. The china of 2020 is not the china of 1972 or even the china of 20000 or 210. Its across every dimension of power, political, power, diplomatic, economic, innovative, military and even cultural it with an alternative and deeply disturbing model for global governance. China today is led by the commonest party is unlike any challenge we have faced as a nation before. Emboldened by the shortcomings and the enablement of the Trump Administration<\/a> chinas more active and more assertive in the region and in the International Community<\/a> than ever before. Indeed, just since this past march china has increased its patrols near the san conkle islands in the East China Sea<\/a> as well as the coercive activities in the South China Sea<\/a>. Conducted air and maritime controls intending to threaten taiwan, with india along the actual line of control with the Peoples Liberation<\/a> army first use of force abroad in 30 years. Continue to implement a morally Repugnant Campaign<\/a> genocide of cool oppression of the to button people and the crushing of its own civil liberties. Just yesterday released a report, the new big brother looking at how china stepped up its game and seeking to export a new model of digital authoritarianism and have new technologies to control its own citizens and people worldwide. But aside from bluster, rhetoric, and some hastily written sanctions, what has responsible for the ministration . The administration is now taking strong action on hong kong. But for months when people of hong kong needed us the president was silent. It was complicit in chinas erosion of hong kong a ptolemy happy to trade hong kong for his socalled trade deal. Along with the chairman, i welcome regular freedom of navigation assertions and the administration recent clarification on the South China Sea<\/a>. The reality is over the past three years chinas aggression and coercion in the South China Sea<\/a> has continued completely unchecked. The united kingdoms chains of policy was welcomed, i would suggest in spite us not because of us. And on trade and economic this administration is walked away from building regional architecture embrace the socalled phase one trade deal , which seemingly achieves nothing. Certainly does not address the core structural issues and the relationship and leaves us in the words of your own u. S. Trade representative one at what the end goal of your trade policy i is. And if he doesnt know that we all have a real problem. Arent taiwan i know that every year of the Obama Biden Administration<\/a> there welcomed and i could go on. In short im that just being confrontational is the same thing as being competitive. That is my question and facts about the action the administration announced today in houston. I am all for safeguarding our National Security<\/a>. I understand the importance of being tough with china. But being tough is the memes, not the end. So while there may be reason for taking this action and i look forward to a briefing on it in an appropriate setting, i want to understand better not just the tactical considerations but how this advances our strategy. What do we expect to have on chinas behavior. When china retaliates as they said they will, what will be our next move . Enter next after that . Im obviously not asking you to disclose specific actions which i know you wont shouldnt this is not a simple twostep dance so help me understand where you think this is all going. I asked is because there should be no doubt we are indeed in his top addition with china and the United States<\/a> needs a new strategic framework and a new set of organizing principles to address the challenges of this new era. So far despite all the bluster, that affected new strategy has been utterly lacking from this administration. One of the core organizing principles i would suggest is the importance of working in close coordination with her allies and partners to develop a shared and effective approach to china. I have to say the administration has wrongheaded, alienated an attacking approach to our alliances has been one of the disheartening to witness these past several years. Our alliances, our partnerships, and the shared values on which they stand in our reliability the face of adversity are special source for effective Global Leadership<\/a> in this value driven diplomacy is one of the reasons why senator rubio would not have join colleagues around the globe to form the International Parliamentary<\/a> alliance of china to provide the vision and build relationships needed for our strategic success. I know you argued this president at the administration has been uniquely successful with china and i know youre good at your jobs. But facts are indeed stubborn things. Before the hearing devolves to a hearing bashing china and the World Health Organization<\/a> for the covered pandemic, let me assure you that no one in this body has concerns regarding the chinas paranoid took terry lives and contribute to it spread . But blame game politics will not save american lives. Instead of relying on science and knowledge the administration has spent its energies finding fault and racially inflammatory rhetoric that both alienates us on the global stage including at the g7 and the un Security Council<\/a>. If the administration is truly concerned about chinas maligned intent at the World Health Organization<\/a> and elsewhere, there is a simple solution. Show up, take action. If the u. S. Leads others will follow. If we leave the field open, of our own country cannot develop a serious strategy at home, others like chinas are only too eager to step into the vacuum. I know the chairman, he is mentioned as introduced legislation with china i welcome his effort. As i mentioned in another hearing this morning im also work with colleagues on a bill to create a comprehensive china strategy. Crosscutting jurisdiction be on this committee including trade and Economic Issues<\/a> and investments here at home which we plan to shortly introduce. Given the shortcomings of the president s bluster and tactics but no strategy approach to china, make comprehensive and integrated approach is needed. I expect to be many areas of the agreement between my bill in the chairman i look forward to working with him on a combined approach. And it is in this spirit, mr. Secretary, that i implore you today to engage beyond this hearing and a genuine conversation with us about how to Work Together<\/a> to develop a comprehensive approach to china. To reset our strategy in our diplomacy. To reinvest and replenish the sources of National Strength<\/a> and competitiveness at home. To place our partnerships and alleys first. That reflects our fundamental values as americans. Thank you, mr. Chairman. So thank you mr. Menendez i think in comparing her to statements we have much to agree on and overall i think we both agree this comprehensive strategy is needed as we go forward. I can assure you when you get that briefing i will certainly agree the closing was appropriate under the circumstances. With that i will turn to our witness, the honorable steven b. Who soared in december 2019 hes serving as a special representative north korea has a three decades of experience in both legislative branches, including the chief of staff of Senate Foreign<\/a> relations committee. Deputy, we appreciate you being here today and invites you to have the floor. Thank you, mr. Chairman, thank you, senator menendez. I may ask for my full statement to be submitted to the record i would like to give a shorter time to give maximum time for questions from the members today. Certainly will include your full statement with the record. So thank you again for the invitation to testify again today. This is an important moment in u. S. China relations a secretary and i appreciate your serious focus on that of the whole committee and trying to shape a bipartisan approach to this vital policy manner. We recognize to be successful u. S. Policy towards the prc must be grounded in the institution and society. Mr. Chairman for this reason we welcome legislation introduced today, and senator menendez we look forward to seeing yours as well. These are designed to frame the United States<\/a> strategic approach to the prc and other legislation passed by congress have provided us with crucial tools to advance our policies against a challenges we face. Across multiple administrations the United States<\/a> has supported chinas entry into the rules based International Order<\/a> in hopes china will be a partner in upholding international law, norms, institutions in the United States<\/a> and china could have a friendly relationship with reciprocal benefit. For over three decades u. S. Policies have had a mass outpouring of assistance in letting their foreign investment, facilitation of chinese membership and global institutions, and the education of millions of chinas brightest scholars at our best universities. Where this administration to verges from previous administrations is the will to face the uncomfortable truth in u. S. china relations with the policy for the past three decades simply have not produced the outcomes for which so many had hoped. And that the United States<\/a> much gem must take Decisive Action<\/a> to counter the prc at this moment. As stated in the 2017 National Security<\/a> strategy, despite a huge dividend to the prc in terms of prosperity, trade, and global influence that the United States<\/a> supported and its engagement had delivered, beijing has instead chosen to take increasingly a hard line, and aggressive actions both at home and abroad. China has emerged as a strategic competitor to the United States<\/a> onto the rules based global order. We find the china u. S. Relationship today weighed down by a growing number of disputes including commercial espionage and International Property<\/a> thef theft. Abuse of the United States<\/a> Academic Freedom<\/a> and students of stealing Sensitive Technology<\/a> and research him or universities in order to advance the prcs military capabilities. It is these factors which led the president to direct a number of actions in response, including yesterdays notification to the prc that we have withdrawn our consent for the prc to operate its consulate in houston, texas. There is also growing alarm around the world about the dismantling of hong kongs autonomy, liberty, and Democratic Institutions<\/a> the arbitrary mass intentions and the efforts to eliminate time bet in identity, military pressure against taiwan, and the assertion of unbounded Maritime Claims<\/a> in the South China Sea<\/a>. Other areas of concern include chinas increasingly asserted to abusive military and economic coercion and statesponsored Disinformation Campaign<\/a>s. Including, among others, against india, australia, canada, uk, aussie nonmembers, the European Union<\/a> and several other european countries. At the department of state, both secretary pompeo and i are involved in daytoday in the full range of policy matters of care and prc. They have launched a number of diplomatic and policy initiatives described in more detail in my written testimony to uphold and defend our interests in areas such as Global Infrastructure<\/a> development and telecommunication security. Much of what we are doing will serve a global interest under any circumstances the maker actions all the more important we have worked internally with east asia and the pacific along with policy plantings and Global Engagement<\/a> center to align internal policymaking focus on our competition with china around the world. As part of a comprehensive approach we are engaged with allies and partners in the g7, g20, when data to highlight the threat not just to the United States<\/a> interest but the interests of our allies and partners. We are broadening partners across the transatlantic community, the pacific, middle east, africa, and the western hemisphere. Across the indo pacific would deepen relationships with countries that share our values and interest in a free and open pacific. Last september we held an ministerial level meeting with united straits, australia, india, japan, marking a new mouse on a diplomatic engagement in a new region. Or enhancing alliances with australia, japan, republic of korea, the philippines, thailand which have helped sustain peace and security for generations and we are furthering our cooperation with an Organization Central<\/a> to a free and open indo pacific. Our security of our system tells partners protect their their autonomy and Maritime Resources<\/a> but we are working with countries to have Sustainable Development<\/a> and Energy Security<\/a> and have doubled Development Pacific<\/a> to the Pacific Island<\/a> parties to the pacific pledge for the other side of the world chinas increasing become a topic of transatlantic discussions by the secretary recently announced the United States<\/a> has accepted the you proposal to create a u. S. , eu dialogue on china. To discuss our Common Concerns<\/a> about the threat that prc proposes to assure democratic values. Similarly the prc as a core component of the security dialogues with the united kingdom, australia, new zealand, and canada. And our hemisphere the United States<\/a> is working with neighbors to reaffirm the regions longstanding dedication to free societies and free markets. Were working on improving Investment Climate<\/a> for all types of infrastructure including energy, airports, ports, roads, telecom and digital networks. In addition to the United States<\/a> Development Humanitarian<\/a> assistance expect the united Sands International<\/a> Development Corporation<\/a> to deploy 12 million for the western hemisphere in the coming years all towards an effort to make a priority to transparency and privacy particular the digital economy. The prc has made extensive inroads across africa over the past decade, encouragingly some art monitoring chinese projects, requiring chinese firms employ more african labor and demand protection of africas practical agenda fragile ecosystems. Our diplomatic engagement will continue to highlight the perils of opaque and unsustainable prc lending practices. In the middle east we have successfully engaged with partners to recognize the core costs become a certain commercial engagements with the prc, especially telecommunications infrastructure. And finally we are working with allies and partners to prevent the prc from undermining International Organizations<\/a> through undue influence. Mr. Chairman, consistent with the priorities of the legislation i should also underscore that engagement between United States<\/a> and China Remains<\/a> a central importance in managing tensions and exploring areas of neutral interest or efforts might align. We will only make a difference far engagement produces Real Progress<\/a> on the many issues that i have enumerated today. Last month i joined secretary pompeo in hawaii to be with our chinese counterparts. In the today discussion the secretary stressed that deeds, not words, where the pathway to achieve Mutual Respect<\/a> and reciprocity between our countries across commercial, security, diplomatic, and people to people interactions. He may clear our determination to push back against beijings efforts to undermine democratic norms, churn and turn challenge the sovereignty of our friends and allies and engage in fair trade practices. At the same time he outlined areas with United States<\/a> and the prc could cooperate to solve global challenges. Among the issues that we could start with our strategic stability around Nuclear Capability<\/a> and doctrine. Coordinated efforts to identify the origins and spread of covid19. Id nuclear eyes north korea that ensures peace and stability for all who live on the korean peninsula. Peace building in afghanistan, international connex production the trafficking and come as evidenced by the phase one trade deal earlier this year balance and reciprocal economic policies will benefit both countries. The United States<\/a> also welcomes people to people exchanges including the hosting of each other students. Provided that they are here exclusively for the purpose of studying. We would also welcome members of congress from both sides of the capital on both sides of the aisle to not only work in partnership with the executive branch but also extend your own engagement to better understand the aspirations of the Chinese People<\/a>. Of course, this includes meeting with your Chinese Government<\/a> counterparts. It must also include reaching out to the many voices of china that are found outside of china. Those not free to be heard at home and therefore requiring our assistance to be heard. Let me be clear. The United States<\/a> supports the aspirations of those Chinese People<\/a> who seek to live in peace, prosperity, and freedom. Secretary pompeo was met with prodemocracy leaders from hong kong, with chinese and dissidents and survivors of oppression, and last month i was honored to present the International Women<\/a> of courage award to the mothers. The bravery of many Chinese People<\/a> who seek to advance human rights and universal freedoms inspires us all in our work. Mr. Chairman, we are urgently taking the necessary steps to defend the interests of the United States<\/a>. As we seek to correct the imbalance in our relations with china, we must address todays realities while at the same time leaving open tomorrows possibilities with our friends and allies we are standing up for universal rights and the rules based international system. The system that has provided the worlds collective peace, security, and prosperity for generations to the benefit of the United States<\/a>, the peoples republic of china, and the entire world. Thank you. Thank you. With that we are going to do a round of questions. Im going to reserve my time, senator mendez will start with you for question placement thank you, mr. Chairman. As i said earlier i welcome the administrations clarification of our legal position on chinas unlawful claims in the South China Sea<\/a>. As you know, International Laws<\/a> not self enforcing. Weve now taken this position it is critical that we give reality to our legal position or we may find a gap between rhetoric and reality produces counterproductive and destabilizing. So what does the administration and intend to do to implement this new approach . So thank you, senator menendez. As you are aware the United States<\/a> has for some time rejected chinese claims about endorsing alternative positions. In the recent, secretary tom pao at the direction of President Trump<\/a> has declared United States<\/a> to not recognize chinese declarations and uphold the rulings of International Tribunals<\/a> that have determined chinas claims that Maritime Claims<\/a> in the South China Sea<\/a> are improper. I harking back to 2015 when the president standing at the white house of president obama announced china had no intention to militarize the South China Sea<\/a>. Just recently had typed into the Search Engine<\/a> on my computer, the words chinese base South China Sea<\/a> and look at the images thats grown up in the South China Sea<\/a> in the course running five years. Its an incredible build up and they are having military exercises in the region as well. They have completely militarize the South China Sea<\/a>. For our part will thirdly continue our freedom of navigation operations which continue in an ongoing basis. We are including assistance including security to our ally in the region paid for making this in discussions with our Alliance Relationships<\/a> not just on the south china tc but the east is sea as well where there are also chinese claims in the territory of other countries. We are providing substantial Security Systems<\/a> to many of our partners in the region and we are working very hard to find a common position with our friends and allies in the region. Most recently and successfully overcoming some of the differences we had with the government of philippine to read common cause with the philippines as well as other countries and pushing back decisively. So thank you very much im looking forward to hearing further discussion of what are the consultations you had with partners and allies on their statements and actions you just mention the philippines is one. As you know, the secretary the ccp, socalled National Security<\/a> law for hong kong which undermines hong kongs atoll to be encourages a crack at them prodemocracy protesters and effectively ends its one country, two systems policy recently went into effect. Along with my colleagues on both sides i introduce the hong kong safe harbor act which would provide those hong kong years who peacefully protest beijings corrupt Justice System<\/a> could have a wellfounded fear of prosecution be eligible for priority to Refugee Status<\/a>. What efforts, other than some harsh words and criticism aimed at the ccp for their erosion of hong kongs economy, is the state department actively pursuing . So senator menendez as youre probably aware, we have used existing authorities under the department of state under the immigration and naturalization act to impose visa restrictions against some of the leading actors who have played a role in imposing the National Security<\/a> act upon the people of hong kong in order to strip them of their democracy. Likewise, we have suspended the extradition treaty we had with hong kong in recognition of the fact that its unlikely to be found any further on the legislative authorities of the Chinese Government<\/a>. They are comprehensively reviewing governments and benefits that are extended to the region of hong kong to access within those should be continued their sprinkled across u. S. Code and we are taking a comprehensive look at all those benefits as we go forward. And finally, as you may know, the president has also extended refugee quoted to any travelers coming out of hong kong feeling the repression there prayed the secretary had a chance himself to meet with joshua long and london just yesterday where he had a good discussion of the current state of affairs in hong kong. We will continue to press very hard to preserve the democratic voice of the people of hong kong. So hope the Refugee Status<\/a> at the legislation we have bipartisan support for. My final question we have seen authority terry and nations such as china and russia utilizing emerging Technology New<\/a> ways to surveillance repress both domestic and foreign populations as well as manipulate democratic elections. Now these countries are spreading their models of digital authoritarianism to other countries that may be attracted to these new models of social control. What is the administrations strategy to counter the spread of digital authoritarianism and how are we engaging our allies in that context . So the same technologies that are being used to repress populations are used in many countries in the world in order to conduct routine screening and security for it is a very thorny and complicated issue to sort out the use issues. One of the first and positive steps of taking is in relation for Chinese Companies<\/a> who have in fact provided those tools to the communist party in order to be used to enforce the chinese oppression are sanctioned under the u. S. Law and unable to do business with United States<\/a> companies will continue to extend we see that used for repressive purposes its an important or worrisome area of technology in one of many we are having to grapple with in the world in which social media, telecom, new technologies challenge freedoms around the world. So thank you, senator gardner. So thank you, mr. Chairman, since 2015 ive had the privilege of serving on the chair of the Senate Subcommittee<\/a> on east asia, this specific and International Cyber<\/a> security policy. Senator markey and i have lead efforts to shape a new policy toward the end of Pacific Region<\/a> including to the passage of the landmark in the asia reassurance inactive act in december 2018. As a part of the work in the conference the East Asia Pacific<\/a> Committee Also<\/a> held a threepart series entitled trying to challenge which examines encumbrances manner and how the United States<\/a> should respond to a china that seeks to no doubt and suppress the liberal order in their mind. Our first two hearings focus on security and economic aspects have chinas authoritarian rise including the debt trap to diplomacy and military modernization programs for the third hearing focus on democracy, human rights common rule of law. Values that have been fundamental to the conduct of u. S. Foreign policy of generations. Our witness testified we are in the midst of a socalled authoritative closing that under th the president has resulted in an unprecedented intensifying corrective and civil society, ethnic minorities, religious freedom in china. We found concentration camps for muslims and this is requires a serious response from the United States<\/a> and Enter National<\/a> community and we found the crack down on the atomics regions are intensifying will beijing refuses negotiation with the Central Tibetan Administration<\/a> but we found the human rights defenders in china are routinely jailed, tortured and otherwise deprived of liberty. Within a genuine freedom of speech and assembly are nonexistent prayed that it corruption and abuse of power are rampant. Just look at hong kong and the International Agreements<\/a> registered with the United Nations<\/a> and the lengthy communist party in china will go to to deprive its people of what china itself not too long ago had agreed to. Im now in the midst of the unprecedented outbreak of covid19, the commonest party of china continues to hide obscure critical information that it is had a Global Response<\/a> to the crisis. This is the china we must deal with, not just now, but for the long run as well. I look forward to hearing from deputy secretary today and how we can address this challenge. I want to talk about the asia reinsurance act and what it means to the framework as you identify in your opening statement. Just a few quick questions. Is china torturing the weaker Muslim Population<\/a> in china . So could you repeat the question . So is china torturing muslims in china . So we certainly believe there is been severe mistreatment in fact they are demanding more from access for a. Youre not willing to say they are torturing or not . So torture is a Legal Definition<\/a> i do not simply have the evidence available. So but do you agree that . I do believe they are severely mistreating these people. So there been public reports that populations have been tortured. So i have certainly find it believable. Syrup a spade is a china dissident speaking out against chinese oppression . China has been arresting dissenting voices for my entire career. But in recent months we have seen in particular this focus has turned against those who spoke up in particularly early on regarding the covid virus and wuhan, absolutely. So is china stealing u. S. Coronavirus research . As a department of justice and bailed two of its indictments yesterday, we have Firm Evidence<\/a> to suggest that chinese hackers are working in Close Association<\/a> with chinese National Security<\/a> institutions have in fact when trying to steal information related to the Development Technologies<\/a> to treat the coronavirus. So is china breaking the rose garden promise of no militarization the South China Sea<\/a> . So as i mentioned in my earlier comments all you need to just type into your Search Engine<\/a> on your computer South China Sea<\/a> military bases and youll see how substantial they broken the president the president made to president obama. Is china trying to persecute other religious minorities . So absolutely. So is china breaking International Agreements<\/a> with hong kong . So they have broken their International Agreement<\/a> with hong kong. This obviously something that must be dealt with swiftly, strongly, not just by the United States<\/a> in action subsequent to that condemnation that will show china and the commonest party of china that their actions are unacceptable and irresponsible. If they wish to be deemed or seen as a responsible nation, the asia reinsurance act which passed in 2018 sets a framework. In your testimony you state that the asia reasserts initiative is a framework for leadership in the indo pacific network. Just out of curiosity, how can we use that framework to address the challenges and the consequences of the actions china is taken as it relates to the questions you just answered . So similar to what we welcome in the legislation let out a strategic framework and knowing that it is creating a space for us to bring proposals here to capitol hill on budgets and priorities is very helpful. The authorizing committees do play an Important Role<\/a> in telegraphing to the entire department the space that we can move into as we go annually through our budgets and staffing issues, legislation which is already been in place for several years is for use will not regard. Weve seen a camp fleet reorientation of policy with the pacific in some way through the openings where suggested in the area of legislation. The more focused efforts on china are going to likewise need close congressional and cooperation. Senator went to thank you and members of the committee for number pieces of legislation that i highlighted in my written testimony that have come out in recent years. Center, by also made for moment i misspoke a moment ago it was not Joshua Walton<\/a> the secretary met with it was another activist, nathan law he met with in london yesterday wanted to correct that for the record. Thank you, mr. Chairman. So thank you, mr. Chairman, center to begin thank you for your service we appreciate it very much. There is a common theme from all of this we get five minutes and we cannot resolve our concerns about china and five minutes for there many issues of concern under followup on senator cardins point. One of the first policies is to pull out the tpp the trans partnership. It was the trading block is a standoff in some respects from the economic power of china on a regional basis. The president then initiated trade policy talks with china that were unilateral with the United States<\/a> and not engaging partners. As those discussion of taken placers becoming a concern to many of our trading partners that the United States<\/a> is looking for an agreement where they can point to some progress on specific commodities rather than dealing with the fundamental problems of the chinese economy. The fact that it is government controlled, at steels or intellectual property, click view nameplates currency, there is government control in the list goes on and on and on. Can you share with us, what steps you are taking to develop a regional approach so that we have support from other countries to deal with the malignant activities of china . So yes thank you, senator cardin. The United States<\/a> is collaborating very closely with countries in the indo pacific. As i mentioned in my testimony we have initiatives in every continent of the world. Even in the arctic, the United States<\/a> is actively advancing a strategy to pursue our interests. Secretary pompeo is in denmark today meeting with our allies to discuss those very issues. In relation, specifically in relation to the indo pacific where working very close with our partners. We have launched a robust cooperation in the indo pacific quad with india, japan, the United States<\/a> and australia. So explained to me with the focus of that partnership is as it relates to china . What strategic actions or we have planning as a regional approach the Counter China<\/a> . So we undertake military exercises together. We plan for worse case for deterrence in the suite of our strategies we collaborate very closely on combating Disinformation Campaign<\/a>s out of china. In fact we have a regular coordinating discussion between me and my indo pacific counterparts. We started in the early stages of the covid crisis and we Conference Call<\/a> with the deputy level officials in the foreign ministries of the six indo pacific countries along with the United States<\/a> all towards both sharing best information the challenges posed by china and providing support for efforts to comprehensively combat it. Our intelligence coordination is the key part of this along with our military alliances. We are every day, working in close cooperation with allies in the indo pacific in the central issue in that relationship is tied abrasive excellently sort of challenge that and ask you keep up on that it. I hear messages coming out from the white house that it does not seem to be coordinated with any of the other countries that are allied with us. The one road, one belt policy of china is aimed at exercising its economic power globally. Sarah menendez talked about hong kong and the major of hong kong. It is very clear to many of us that china has violated that agreement. And special status that we give that territory and seriously consider eliminating their special status. One of the reason why hong kong was given that status was not just the respect of the human rights of the people that lived there, but the economy in that region which is the hallmark of hong kong. Are we now in jeopardy of seeing chinese influence and it is shown in hong kong to try to dominate government controlled economies rather than allowing more Market Driven<\/a> economies . I would say that most of chinas economic policies are in fact incompatible with a rules based market economy. There are some dimensions of the market that one can find in the chinese economy and in other countries were china operates. The essential factor that made hong kongs dig stings as the economy was governed under the rule of law. Its for their justice could be applied. They have to move handinhand together. China is eliminating dismantling the democratic government and the rule of law in hong kong. Not only is it eliciting a reaction from the United States<\/a> and many other countries around the world its eliciting a reaction for many of the investors and businesses that chose to operating hong kong as well. They are there because of the rule of law. They are there because of a democratic governance in the absence of that will do more damage to the fabric of hong kongs economy that any sanctions we could conceive of. We met i would suggest enclosing, here is an area where the u. S. Leadership working with countries of like mind should have a common response to what is being done by china and hong kong. A very definitive strong response. That is why think the u. S. Needs to show their leadership and effectiveness in dealing with it. So in the near term, center, and the presidency of the nine states the g7 has released a coordinated statement on exactly that. So statement or action . So the g7 statement is a commitment to action pray what we are doing and state department was outlined in more detail my written testimony pretty will not go into significant detail but the Economic Policy<\/a> network coordinates with minute indo pacific allies is intended to address these issues across the region exactly the manner you are describing. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you, senator cardin. Senator young. So welcome to the committee, chinese combined taking advantage of economic approach, predatory economic policies, strong position, and growing the level of influence and Development Banks<\/a> and International Regulatory<\/a> with the made in china 2025 initiative to create what seems to be a pretty potent economic statecraft arsenal. This will have longterm consequences for many countries around the world. But especially in the United States<\/a> as it relates to a relationship to allies and partners. As it relates her own economic policies, our own good Faith Development<\/a> efforts in the future of American Innovation<\/a> and expertise. Its really impacting so much of our domestic policy. Having laid that foundation, how is the department of state thinking about the issue of decoupling with china . So our goal with chinas not decoupling. Its to present pressures on china that has to live up to the expectation the world laid out two decades ago when china was welcomed into the trade organization when they were welcomed into full partnership with many countries around the world and economic relations. China becomes a net contributor and responsible stakeholder in upholding global rule of law and institutions. Chinas efforts have been by design aimed at dismantling that consensus in a manner that creates huge imbalances in the Global Economy<\/a> and is led to a number predatory behaviors as you described. I would not say it is to our advantage to decouple from the chinese economy our goal is to see china resume and pay full commitment to the path that they were on 20 years ago when they were trusted. So i regret i have some followup questions and im a few minutes left. So thats fine sir. Just very briefly you mentioned chinas entry into the geo is it pretty clear to you into the state department generally that china has not followed the commitments, either the letter or the spirit of the laws is a wto Member Nation<\/a> . So china severely misused it and missed at important moment to pivot in the round what couldve been an advocate for strengthening the global system. As to all of our detriment they chose to take that role they did it to preserve the singular benefit they derive from entering the support country despite the fact now one of the two largest economies in the world. To envision a future in which countries are forced to choose between an alliance or a partnership with china . Or with an americanled system the other . That is not our intention no robie apply that witness test to other countries paid what we are going to seek challenges that come with a relationship with china coordinate with them to preview steps to disrupt the technology, privacy and safety of their own citizens. So would give the United States<\/a> more leverage of the government invested in large scale innovation efforts to ensure American Leadership<\/a> in Key Technology<\/a> is partnering with our allies and strong and trusted . So senator i know you are one on the committee has worked on the Economic Bureau<\/a> with this Economic Strategy<\/a> thats designed to do just that. We cannot be strong abroad if were not strong at home. We have to designer own strategies within our economic traditions within the free markets to allow our innovators to produce the best outcomes. I am confident we can do that thats where the enduring strengths of the United States<\/a> of america. We have to recognize her doing it in an environment where we have a near competitor seeking to undermine the economic progress is made. So thank you. Thirty seconds left in some fashion could you assess for me the president s current standing within the Chinese Communist<\/a> party . And taking power, or the first things he did was in Anticorruption Initiative<\/a> was to eliminate nearly all competitors inside the party. Boyd dont know the bona fides if corruption was in fact if they were in fact involved in corruption. I can say the selective prosecution eliminate all political challenges. Has a strong hold on power in china. More worrisome to us is the decision of the chinese leadership also to dissolve a customary twoterm limit for chinese leader who potentially leaves them with a leader for life which is problematic for any system. So any challenge to the decision of the government is in excess such a threat to the leadership because of the absence of turnover, the absence of election, the absence of a rotation of the top level of chinese leadership. Im afraid many of the behaviors we seeing it will be directly contributed to that factor. So you just identified an interesting paradox we see playing throughout the world and history a few eliminate opposing forces those competitive power centers, within your government that makes you stronger but also makes you far more vulnerable to blowback. Theres a reason democracy has served this nation so well for the last 240 years. Thank you sir. Thank you, mr. Chairman, secretary beacon thank you for being here. As you know, chinas belt Road Initiative<\/a> is allowed the chinese to take a controlling stake in 13 european ports. Last year we had a caring for the Armed Services<\/a> committee for admiral davidson, the indo Pacific Command<\/a> testified they had all handed over control of their ports or territories to china. We know that 40 out of 55 african countries have gotten financing for this initiative more than 130 countries around the world. So given the clear benefits, advantages that china is taking to that initiative, the challenge that presents the United States<\/a>, help me understand the administrations logic in cutting u. S. Diplomacy and Development Funding<\/a> for three consecutive years. So thank you, senator. The most important tools we have to use against that are a combination of resources provided to the Resource Corporation<\/a> paired with the strong u. S. International Business Community<\/a> that is more than prepared to seek opportunities, Business Opportunities<\/a> in every corner of the world. We have tried to do in addressing specific challenges is work on both ends of the equation. Were not only seeking to provide more infrastructure in support and facilitate through active cooperation of our embassies which now maintain what we call seal teams which bring the inter Agency Component<\/a> of u. S. Commercial diplomacy in order to support American Companies<\/a> competing with Chinese Companies<\/a>. Also on the other end of the equation we have created a program called the Blue Dot Network<\/a> which basically is a Good Housekeeping<\/a> seal of approval, major Global Infrastructure<\/a> projects to make sure they are done in a transparent and uncorrupted manner. To make sure they are done with appropriate economy and also they are not financed in a manner that makes the recipient of the project file into death trap diplomacy that chinas use in several of the companies to be identified. Certainly agree with that. Is it your contention that our efforts are as effective in terms of getting support from other countries particularly in africa and asia as a chinese efforts . and for our International Trading<\/a> partners and parts of the world. That we have previously surrendered under the initiative to china. And that is no longer the case. At the end of june, this Committee Held<\/a> a hearing on the International Aspect<\/a> of the coronavirus pandemic. And one of the things that we heard from both minority and majority witnesses, virtually everybody who testify before us. Said that it was a mistake to withdrawal from the World Health Organization<\/a>. One of the reasons this it is because it provided a vacuum that the chinese have been feeling in terms of providing assistance and guidance to countries affected by the pandemic. You share that view. Senator, the president made the decision to file notification of withdrawal from the World Health Organization<\/a>. We have not withdrawn from the World Health Organization<\/a> and are not allowed to for a full year after notification has been filed. I understand, im asking if you share the same view that it would be for a mistake for the United States<\/a> to withdraw from the who. Critically at the time. So senator, let me tell you why the president made the decision and assure you that i have given the secondtier entrance secretary of state the full benefit. I have read the reports on why the president made his decision. I happen to disagree with it. He dont need to repeat it for me. Let me also highlight the one of the roles i played the department because ive had responsibly for many of the International Dimensions<\/a> of the covid19 crisis is been marshaling these needs efforts that the United States<\/a> undertook. The debate over the who the debate over less than 4 percent. In the mandatory contributions, less than half than 1 percent, of the United States<\/a> provides pretty. Im sorry to interrupt. The point was not just about the World Health Organization<\/a> for it is about the failure of the United States<\/a> to provide Global Leadership<\/a> to respond to this pandemic. And not going to ask you to respond to these amount of time. But i do want to point out something that i think is positive and note that i was very pleased to see the recent actions that the state Department Took<\/a> against russia and its efforts. The last weeks designations of subsidiaries of precious military wegner and in hong kong and sudan in island. We are at an a very important step forward. And i appreciate that the state Department Took<\/a> those actions. I wonder if you could clarify. It was sudden response to the particular event. That we have seen. That we seen in the response to the reports that russia had provided a bounty for the taliban to kill american troops pretty. Senator, the recent steps that we have taken in relation to shop and russia are simply a part of our perspective or pushback against her behavior that was making it virtually impossible for us to make progress in any way shape or form the russians. I appreciate that. Senator romney. Deputy secretary of aging. I appreciate the work that you and members of the state of normative doing to secure our interests at sit relates to china. But am concerned that we are using the traditional techniques that we have long had buried were using them in the more aggressive ways to push against china in their ambitions. But the real working. China has not been diverted from the course that they are on pretty china is more assertive that i have ever seen in my life. During the years, is keeping her head down and then china would become stronger. Until we can see how starley could be. Although this happened. They are not backing down. Liquids are doing with the South China Sea<\/a> basis. Look how they are cracking down on hong kong. And with regard to taiwan. The number of course they havent the faces are extraordinary. The fact that the philippines and islands are taking the course with regards to the relative relationship that we have had. Their cyber theft. Putting people in our universities to steal technology. The list goes on and on. It is not working. The normal approach that we take with the countries that were not happy with, is not working with pretty china represents a threat to freedom to our economy. Too often military capabilities, to Financial Security<\/a> of an entirely different nature than what we have faced before. This is an extraordinary assault. And it simply employing the normal techniques that we have floyd in normal circumstances, is in my opinion, must going to work. And actually United States<\/a> flexing owner muscles, is not strong enough. They have 3. 4 million people. Their economy will be bigger. Theyre already procuring as much military hardware as we operated it will be an enormous powerhouse. Theyre blasting ahead. And we will increasingly be in the Rearview Mirror<\/a> unless we combine with other nations that abide by the rule of law. And unless we link arms in a very dramatic and aggressive way and that rules of the road the demos follow they will find themselves disconnected from the economy of the rest of the world. Not doing that. Instead were saying everybody go off and do their own thing. Lets blow up europe. Everybody pursue your own interests. In america looks like we dont care about bringing the world together in a dramatically. I would suggest a summit of the leaders of the major nations of the world laying out a process to a french in a very dramatic way. Like the titanic. We are losing. Lets even ask, am i wrong and that. Doing a take it wholly different level of approach to combining with her friends around the world and confronting china and let them know that they may not pursue the course they are on. And continue free access to our marketplaces. Thank you and i agree with you. On the magnitude of the challenge. Most of us do. One thing that i dont think any of us should expect the results. Were up against a generational challenger. This is a formidable challenge in virtually every dimension of our economic political and social and military existence. We are up against a significant challenge in china. He likened it to the titanic but i would liken it more to an Aircraft Carrier<\/a> slowly begins to turn and reorient itself in a different direction this place in the nonsense of america myself. Im course of the last five seven years. I think tanks, are china experts, our businesses, our congress, our executive branch. Slowly reoriented on china. If that was not easy to do. And sometimes, wishful outcomes are hard to out let go of. This administration is equally criticized for moving too abruptly and partially because china. Or not our intention. Senator romney, youre absolutely right. Requires every bit of energy and every bit of cooperation we can get from other countries. Also requires strong unity here at home. I would not only converge of use and come to a common approach our strategy but also that we can take that same sentiment abroad to our friends and allies both in the executive branch and the congress to impress upon them how important it is that we partnering on this issue. Were doing quite a bit in that regard. But we can do more. Thank you senator romney. Thank you chairman and Ranking Member<\/a>s. Thank you for Years Service<\/a> and for you just running today. Simply add. About the significance of the challenge that challenge that triana and the Critical Role<\/a> of alliances and a strong and broad and sustained strategy. I want to commend members of this committee door card to develop legislation. I think that there is an urgency about our developing a thoughtful and bipartisan approach in managing our strategic competition with china. And confronting its authoritarianism and is strengthening our allies in our joint approach to china cleared and done for the years ahead. Earlier this month, the wall street journal reported presented the white house with no options to reduce the American Military<\/a> presence in south korea. This information came as our president unnerved nato and it decided to remove a third of our troops from germany. You continue to serve have any secretary special rep. For north korea. Have experienced working on the korean peninsula. Im interested if you been part of these discussions and everything china would review the removal of the sizable portion of u. S. Troops to the korean peninsula. Thank you. The secretary of defense made public march estimate undressing exercises that they have been going to foreign structure in south korea and other places in the world. It would also they made no recommendation to the president nor presented no particular proposal to reduce trips. In general, the plane incredible Important Role<\/a>. Also potential in relation to the challenges from the peoples republican china. Its an alliance i spent a lot of time engaged with because my north korea policy and this is an issue that i had an opportunity to discuss with my south Korean Counterparts<\/a> just two weeks ago when i visited. There is a consensus in both soul and here in the United States<\/a>. We need to rejuvenate the alliance. The purpose is as for 70 years, and to enforce on the principal an25 million people, to defend south korea, country of 50 mill do you think reducing that would help the risk. I think we need to do with the risk is to settle the issue of burden sharing. And how we fund the alliance and have a strategic discussion. If we were able to do so, think that substantials presence in that region was strongly advanced American Security<\/a> interest. Im deeply concerned about deporting refusing to return of foreign students. As initially phrase that and ive heard from president s of every college and university in my state and regionally, theres about 370,000 Chinese Students<\/a> in the United States<\/a>. And i recognize the Security Risk<\/a> associated with students from a range of countries but much more broadly, the majority have an opportunity to be exposed ordeals, and freedoms, academic inquiry. I think on balance the enormous contributor to our academic enterprise many take back to their home countries, the view of the United States<\/a> as much or positive. Obviously they are abusing they should be investigated. But im concerned the ministration will continue to flirt with walking or deporting foreign sources. You may well have influence over foreign students. What would you remind that our ability to attract other countries is almost our ability to compel pretty. I agree. We settled on in the right place in our policy. And i have to say that there was little bit of turbulence there. I strongly agree with you on the enforce of the student programs. The state department made an urgent priority, we have restrictions due to covid19 still but with the highest priority being alone student travel. In order to get those men and women here to the United States<\/a> of america for the fall semester. We very much welcome the students. And we welcome students from china as well. China and run 25 Year Agreement<\/a> which would allow china to invest millions and provide them with reliable access to lowercost iranian oil and obviously there be a major challenge to the maximum pressure campaign. As a strategy to respond to deepening china runtimes in chinas increasingly influence in the middle east. Its a little premature. There is no 25 Year Agreement<\/a> and presence. It is a mean to say that they couldnt possibly move forward. They are closer to discussing it for the last 25 years than the forward 25 years. But is willing to concert on the democratic countries like iran. That is a generic borate. The case to iran, comprehensive strategy to arendt that would affect china china engages with a run in Economic Activities<\/a> that are in violation of u. S. Law. Thank you. Thank you mentioned good to see you again. Only tell you how much i agree with senator romney. Concerns about china to cover up the Disinformation Campaign<\/a> on the coronavirus. Unlawful military military activities in South China Sea<\/a>. It the terrible human rights abuses that we continue to see today. Things leaders minorities cross country. China is engaged, and truly serious human rights abuses including political, religious oppression and these were attacks on Human Dignity<\/a> and non freedoms. And as americans, we cannot tolerate this. So recently the ministration has taken strong actions to sanction china for human rights abuses. And i strongly support the efforts of the administration. Are there ways that we can better increase our support for the rights and freedoms of the people of china along the line of opportunity and liberty and equality. The concerns and the things that we hold dear. A. Absolutely. Thank you very much. I want to emphasize that i agree with senator romneys characterization the magnitude of this challenge as well. In the case of repressions in human rights violations, special use a global magnet which many members of this committee contributed to his passage. Not provided is very important to use in order to address this very specific human rights abuses that were identified. But we need more interaction with chinese civil society. In here emphasize the point made in my opening statement. We have to talk to the chinese outside of china. The ones who really need to be heard and give voice to the aspirations of the Chinese People<\/a>. Also have to use it the tools to reach with the people inside china and communicate with them. I think that ultimately will be to our benefit. It. Going to the next topic. With regard to selling intellectual property. China continues to infiltrate top u. S. Companies, laboratories and universities. In this ceiling valuable American Intellectual<\/a> property and trade secrets for the Chinese Communist<\/a> party clearly intending to surpass lesson economic strength and military capabilities. The funding criminal hackers to target u. S. Research and sectors ranging from agriculture to covid19 related biomedical research. Just yesterday, u. S. Department of justice charge to chinese nationals working on behalf of the government of china was stealing trade secrets, hacking Computer Systems<\/a> of companies who are working on a coronavirus vaccine. That was just yesterday. The fbi has recently opened a new china related counterintelligence case not every ten weeks or ten days, every ten hours. Theyre having an open a new china related counterintelligence case. The fbi Deputy Director<\/a> believes that the china conversion is an organized criminal syndicate. What steps must we take as a nation along with her International Partners<\/a> as we talked about, what must we do to and chinas economic espionage. Thank you. Just before this hearing, had phone call from under conversation with the individual reported a few moments ago. We are doing an enormous amount of challenge this as we speak. The effect of those indictments were unsealed, our suggestion to the degree and i would not in any way disassociate the direction of the president gave to the Department Yesterday<\/a> to notify the doc about the removal of diplomatic status and wilpon. Youll be getting more briefings in a different setting. On these topics but despite the challenges that we take very seriously. As one the winner domestic Law Enforcement<\/a> partners are working very hard to address. The trump ministration continues to raise the alarms with our allies and partners about the National Security<\/a> risk of huawei, to me it is a trojan horse. It is deep linked to the communist regime are possible to ignore. Tempting to infiltrate networks around the world. That was is a serious risk i believe knowledge our National Security<\/a> but also the privacy of intellectual property and any human rights credit recently the united kingdom, recognize the serious Security Threat<\/a> is taking action a man them from their five g networks. It sounds like jeremys going to make a decision on with regard to what they decide were watching them. Is it your impression where making some headway that our allies are understanding the dangers that are posed by having while weight and ultimately china so involved in their Tele Communications<\/a> right. Absolutely. Forcing countries sing the risk. And bringing them into the networks. I will give the uk government, first credit to this. I can assure you that decision was a product lengthy and numerous discussions all of the way up to the level of the present and Prime Minister<\/a> of the course of the lesson wasnt today we saw france. In the uks decision. France is now announced that all the technology has removed from the French Telecom<\/a> system by 2028. The united but with the same effect of the technology will rapidly be removed from those networks because they will be obsolete. The systems will be obsolete if they are incorporated now in advance. So we are seeing significant success in this effort and we continue to emphasize partners from the world that we not conduct secure Communications Networks<\/a> that are supplied by these chinese technologies. Thank you. Thank you mr. Chair. See you again. This is a very hard problem. And i also agree with what the opening testimonies and senator romneys that there was a bear a well intention strategy for the last three decades really beginning with it nixon opening to china. We had every reason to try and hoped it worked out. So that is unfortunate. And i also dont give earlier in ministration the credit for the way he handled this relationship either. But i will tell you the three critiques that i have about the Trump Administration<\/a> with china. I want to ask you about the third one. Number one, i see a lot of action but it sometimes see the connection to strategy. So obviously, massive relationships of the street, diplomacy, human rights and military. Theres a lot of things going on. I have a hard time connection to the actions to a strategy. Number two. I think the u. S. Under this in ministration has squandered the actual advantage that we have the china doesnt have which is a deep network of alliances. Often by casting the alliances, going back to senator romneys point. When we went to confront china on trade, we cannot confront them one and one. With the strength that we can confront them that we linked arms with our allied nations that the same concerns about china trade practices as we do. So when the president started off with trying sanctions against canada and mexico neo, made much more difficult to try to us to go my motto is china. We should been working with those strong allies to link arms and form a comprehensive strategy. The third critique is that i think that the president s foreign policies often chasing our adversaries into each others arms. Senator conte asked about iran and china during a negotiation negotiation for economic infrastructure and events cooperation. Leucine iran and china do joint military exercises in the gulf. Leucine china and russia to military exercises on our border which is troubling to me. We get briefings that are often ossified but what i can tell you is we tend to get briefings about u. S. Capacity and then we get briefings about the capacity of china and the capacity of russia. And the capacity of her run but those are all separate briefings about their separate capacities. These are nations that are having longstanding difficulties and challenges with each other. Iran has in the revolutionary rated very anti great power. In a great power. China and russia have had a very difficult relationship. President nixon realized that and pretty much going on the fact that they couldnt agree on anything. That is police eat the article in newsweek today, theres a Wilson Institute<\/a> comic this is President Trump<\/a> driving are adversaries into each others arms as they seek to grab power in a moment of apparent american indecision. How much of the state department are you guys looking at this question. The relationships. Whether theyre getting closer. Military economic diplomatic. As a threat to the United States<\/a>. Boone. Let me assure you we keep the same goals. United states is occasionally we get it in her own way on both of those. But it is our aspiration and is something that we work on everyday. In the present has given us clear direction of the china strategy that will help us move i think in a more orderly way across the administration. In your question, i have to tell you honestly, we spend less time worrying about our adversaries working in concert with each other although it is worrisome. And more about countries may be in the middle. It is inconceivable to me that we are going to have a cooperative relationship with venezuela rule and unfortunately russia and putin, and so in iran as well. Ruled by the ayatollah. It is the other countries that we were previously mentioned it also countries that like the ua e. But we have to apply ourselves than we do. As i mentioned, get weekly phone calls with indo pacific partners, india, china, excuse me japan and korea in nome, new Zealand Australia<\/a> and the United States<\/a>. And when i after that we could call, to heavenly on thursday evening, i turned my team and i asked, do you suppose we think that call one of sound like if it was china russia venezuela and iran. I can tell you that might allies but a few comments rich discussion. Historic interest in shared value that allow us to have National Cooperation<\/a> as long as we can get out of runway. In fact, many timber challenges come from our partners as well. But we worked through those his friends and allies. We have to do that. And with the countries in the middle unless optimistic that we are going to find common cause with the adversaries. Unfortunately it is the case that they will find a common cause with each other. Thats an illuminating answer and i would just hope and dont need to ask it because im sure youre doing it rated as we watch these adversaries who traditionally been opposed to each other, get closer and closer and closer do more and more together, we do need to be paying attention to thats pretty. We dont just as our relationships are based upon shared interests and values, theres are very transactional. The United States<\/a> is been a longstanding partner of countries like australia south korea, theres no doubt in my minds of those people that the longterm orientation of the niceties is in our interest and values with them. Russia and china, many not so much. Thank you. Thank you. Those great comments. Sorry. It was a weather warning. I find myself always in these hearings green with my good friend from virginia, senator kane. We disagree on some things in terms of a positive or causative factors. We got it wrong for the last 30 years or 40 years really. I lived over there on the background. And we were sold a bill of goods. In a knowledge the week all god, says nothing to do with policies or politics or anything else. We just got it wrong. We now see with them trying to do the vacuum that is created in the last administration on Foreign Policy<\/a> created a vacuum. The Chinese Culture<\/a> never tells you what theyre going to do unless they decide that you dont have the where of filth or will to stop them. In 2013, they told the world theyre going to dominate us in 12 years in technology. And they were making huge investments to do that. It there was a vacuum. And when we come back to my senator kane talks about whenever we talk with them as nelly, i think we all do this is our rc this is a huge advantage. We sat here worried about what china is doing, we worry about that organization or the powers are in a defense type of organization progression china, pakistan and india. Thats an odd group of partners there. So dont worry a lot about that. What i am looking at the world has become very binary. Yes take control of countries, syria cuba and others. Then you have other countries that are so determinate. Countries like singapore, malaysia, theyre paying attention to china goals and that is to dominate the political relationships. They were concerned and tried to turn back to us. And i do think that its a specific targeted effort right now that we could put a lot of energy behind. It would like you to get you to respond to this industry only up in india japan and the u. S. Are beginning to look at how we might pull together. That is how we defeated the soviet union without firing a bullet. We ground them into the dirt in our economy. I believe and we bankrupted them. We have the same opportunity here and that the economic power of china today is about 14 trillion. As of 30 trillion of their economic powers. We have the ability today to dominate the economic, military relationship just with those four countries on not including europe or any of the other countries that are already beginning to look away. How does the administration or state department looking at the squad is an example of a relationship that we can build and actually encourage others to see how they might participate into stand because the bully of the next 50 years. Thank you senator. Affected add your description of the Global Environment<\/a> that we face two 700 senator romneys description of the challenges. I think we have a complete picture of everything to we wake up to the department of state. The quad is an important institution. Last year and and how were going to approach organizing our security interest another interest in or indio pacific. India recently invited australia to allow for members of the quad to participate in the military exercise together. Be hugely to defend our mutual interests. Stepping back, so quite in question valencia policies successful as a stand on four pillars. First is unity and home for a second as Close Partnership<\/a> with her friends and allies around the world, there is effective military deterrence, and forth is a powerful economical alternative to china. Mentor on all four of those together. It will be fundamental. I actually think it would get all four of the site, we produce the best outcome with china as well. Because china sees that that is how the world is aligned against its efforts. It will have the best incentive to change its behavior as well read. I would just like to make a comment. I think this type of meeting with someone at this level the state department than the evisceration is so critical that was developed for big nonpartisan view of china could transcend administrations. That is the problem with dealing with china. You cant heal your relationship with enjoy god because are going to be much more monotone over a longer period of time. Thank you for having his hearing. Cannot just tell senator pardon, that that noise was a Flash Flood Warning<\/a> started just when he started to speak. I dont know if theres any connection. [laughter]. Thank you senator. They fortunately porn on the ground floor. Senator murphy. Good seo. Thank you. Yes Foreign Policy<\/a> for much of the last 40 years has been about studying the interactions of china, russia and the United States<\/a>. And to about three trying play off one against the other. And i want to ask two questions today. What i think is a continued priority for this administration to understand how that interplay works in modern times. The first is this part. You have laid out actions with the hope of sending a clear message to china. About the consequences of its actions especially when it comes ways in which they infringed upon the rights of the United States<\/a> at home and abroad. China doesnt Pay Attention<\/a> only to the message we send them. They also Pay Attention<\/a> to the messages we send to other nations. In russia is at the top of that list. I dont think weve given them a chance yet to give a member of the administration on the record with respect to very credible reports. That suggests the rushing government was paying would commonly be referred to as bounties for the murder of the u. S. Troops in afghanistan. That of course crosses the line. It is a fairly unprecedented abuse of one Security Council<\/a> member by another. In the start of the American Public<\/a> in the world have not seen any consequences. Im not a public acknowledgment of abuse having been committed against the United States<\/a> right away that china watches less rain and takes signals from it. I wanted to ask you to tell us for the record today whether any action has been taken or assigned to be taken with respect to this i think we would all agree these are credible reports pretty. I will answer your question i will also be mindful of the fact that the information youre discussing comes from a sensitive source. Any suggestion the Russian Federation<\/a> or any part of the russian government, is employed in providing resources to fighters from other countries to attack american soldiers. With the most severe consequences including those individuals and their movements in the areas in which their undertaking those activities. Were that to happen, they should expect if only a robust response. It will also say the getty center for the came into the United States<\/a> of america, but to be treated into matters. In first putting immediately be notified that all necessary states would be taken to protect u. S. Soldiers anymore the world particularly like a place in afghanistan. And every hour of the day there in a hostile environment and also the subject of a conversation between very senior officials both government under no certain terms. Will the horses out of the barn with respect to these reports being solely classified. In this while you may be suggesting there are actions being taken that have not been made public, anywhere at the point where the world in this country have to know quite what i know with those consequences are. I do think it has impact with respect to our relationship with other great powers. Which leads to my second question with respect to the place of the United States<\/a> russian china and that is with respect to the negotiations of extension of new starts. They have laid down some priority in order to get to the new agreements in one of them is the inclusion of china in those discussions and ultimately in the a new agreement. And if we work in a perfect world, of course we would want china at that table of course it is in our interest to have china right now before they acquire the same number of arms and warheads as the United States<\/a>. It is likely does not stand to reason that china is going to enter into those negotiations because they would likely want time to catch up. Fully scented stable with us. Something i would just like some assurance that one not going to give china the veto power as to whether we engage in renewal of an agreement with russia. I think we can all agree the confines of that agreement as work to limit the arms race. I just want to make sure the china is not going to be the one decide with the United States<\/a> and russia decides to renew that agreement. It. I appreciate that take. I think you could see the evidence in front of you. To know that our special perms controls and testified in his additional capacity yesterday under the secretary control. And also he was up here a few weeks ago i believe to brief the members of the committee on the progress and discussion with the russians. Those are ongoing. We will be dispatching the technical teams to continue the deeper level of discussion. There is still a seat at the table preserved uncut reserve for china. And those conversations are going. And i believe my colleague at the department of state simplified at this point, in his discussions with you. Let me say it publicly as well. Russia has every reason to want china in those discussions as well. It they have a far more preventable challenge. This goes to the transactional nature of the relationship that i think exist between the two countries. History between russia and china is one of the significant tension. The fact that its a part of her today because of the shared adversarial relationship of the United States<\/a> is not an enduring basis china relatio russian rel. They know full well that china should be at the table as well. Not only because of its potential strategic challenge proposed to the Russian Federation<\/a> but because china is a member and recognize Nuclear Weapon<\/a> state and on preparations treaty. In good faith negotiations. And it does not say in proportion to other countries in the world. It is as good faith efforts under Nuclear Forces<\/a> and thats what we are requesting with the peoples public debris of china. Thank you. Thank you mr. Chairman. Inc. You for your testimony deputy secretary. The trade deficit between the United States<\/a> and china has had a huge impact in transferring wealth and jobs from american to china and course that enfolding we have watched in a short period of time can go from bicycle to traffic cans to bullet trains and so that many years ago that our congressional delegation go through 200 miles beijing to can jinx on the coast. Now they have 16000 trials. President trump, made this point, campaign on this point and has continued to make this point yet between 2015 and 2018, our trade deficit increase over 14 percent in manufactured goods. A higher level of disparity between the two autonomys. Is this a topic that is the team is deeply engaged in because here we are talking about the searching and china get is a very positive United States<\/a> that provided the Economic Foundation<\/a> for the search. Yes, absolutely remains where the president s top priorities. One particular in our counterparts in our economic agencies. That we pursue aggressively rated but also remains a priority to the department of state as well. We have a lot of progress that we have to make. In order to rebalance our trade deal. That was phase one. Those early harvest. An attempt interview sectors to begin the rights to balance. But theres much more work that needs to be done in order to eliminate the structural impediment to a more balanced he was china trade relationship. We are committed to pursuing those pretty. Im glad youre working on and committed to it. And mitt romney proceeded to note that there has been significant patrick in china as well. The efforts proceeded in such a fashion that it tried deficit has grown. In a chaotic throwing rocks at them, and they throw rocks back at us. Has to be much more strategic strategy. In the one we have seen so far. Ive been very concerned about chinas million leaders. By using all kinds of facial recognition technology, the righties are surveillance producing and norma somoza goods, many of them now for the units hes pretty sure the niceties completely and the ability of china to end goods, and the slave labor strategy. We should import no goods from any country including china made with slave labor. In the senator, sanctioned that we impose upon several Chinese Companies<\/a>. That was decisive for the purpose pretty. Its also multi operational as well. It is sometimes hard to declare facts anderson is difficult. Center, we sent out an advisor to the ceos of 500 major u. S. Companies as well. And specifically that was operating in china. They will be held accountable if materials or components made through forced labor, slave labor, appear under the products. I was extremely disturbed to sit here that present trump dismissed slave labor segment of the Muslim Community<\/a> as an important in this conversation with chinese leaders. Want to talk about taiwan. I dont think it is been discussed here today. Weve had essentially a position going from our early opening of the relationship with china were we have accepted the concept of their sovereignty over hong kong in overtime one. They have now dramatically violated the terms of the agreement of one system or two systems, one country. Hong kong. Taiwans essentially been operating as an independent country for a very long time. Is it time for us to start looking seriously at starting to treat taiwan as a country, not an extension of china. Sennacherib, the policy of this and ministration to uphold the china policy. But consistent with that, also to fully enact the protections underneath the taiwan relations act and the three communicates the case of taiwan, we commend them. For building robust democracy. The recent route election purposes the true will of the people. His term as accomplishment. And as a demonstration to the people of china in the societies of capable of operating within fully democratic farms. And i will point your attention to a series of high profile public remarks that were made by administrative officials including the attorney general, the National Security<\/a> advisor. Tomorrow secretary pompeo will be giving remarks at the nixon vibrant california. Hell be talking about some of these issues. Thank you. Thank you mr. Chairman. And we really appreciate you being here mr. Secretary. Like many here in the administration, then very disturbed by the recent authoritarian turning china from hong kong to the beakers, to tibet had across their civil society. And while this is happening, im also deeply concerned about our own moral authority on these matters and eroding here at home limiting our ability to rally the world and put pressure on chinas many others have spoken about today. The sad fact is, this administration has taken a hostile attitude to asylumseekers separating children, some of the very young from their families. Theyre doing it on purpose. As a rule deterrent to tell others to stay away from america. When fleeing violence. Last month we saw the National Guard<\/a> members using pepper spray, rubber bullets another bullet instruments against Peaceful Protesters<\/a> in the streets of our nations capital. In this weekend portland, camouflage federal agents have been taking Peaceful Protesters<\/a> into custody and unmarked vans and beating the protesters including 57 yearold nonviolence navy veteran. These scenes echo those on the streets of hong kong. This is a moment the cries out for national leadership. But this president only offers some americans exercising their First American<\/a> rights. Many are increasingly concerned that the president s behavior and those of the disloyal list based divisions at home. This committee needs to consider how that weakens us abroad. As well but let me be clear that we should oppose any such behavior from the chinese or any government that suppressive in the people in their treatment of tibet in the weaker in particular totally unacceptable. But authoritarian crackdowns. Home and in the hawkish. Not fully help those in hong kong or regress religious minorities predict sanctions not working cuba. And unlikely to work with china. If there is no good military solution here. Like with the soviet union, we can never come oppression with openness and foster freedom of speech. Show a better example. What is been the response of our adversaries and our allies of this administrations actions like child separation, cutting off asylum. And now, paramilitary crackdowns for mostly nonviolent protesters. How is that impacting our efforts to build coalitions in a pushback on china authoritarianism and are we facing more accusations of hypocrisy. Senator, im generally an agreeable person. But i cant say that i agree with pre much anything you laid out. With the rule of law and democratic rights guaranteed by all. The ability to choose official who govern them and responsibility of Law Enforcement<\/a> authorities themselves. They be answerable also to the law. Represents also an entirely different situation is being played out in hong kong. I understand the temptation. How about the part of where you have the president going for a photo off and declaring Peaceful Protesters<\/a>. That is his enemy like the americano. Senator, i understand at this moment as excited strong emotions and some of them we seek thing out in the streets. As part of the robust democracy. In some in a disorderly way. It does require some level of enforcement and authority and ordering to protect the safety of individuals. This moment we are in but we are in that, in a Democratic Society<\/a> senator and what you and i can have this discussion openly. And to say that theres any comparison the environment in which we are having this discussion and the one that brings democracy leaders like these folks in hong kong is simply wrong. This is a moment that has excited a lot of passion in the United States<\/a>. Its uncomfortable moment for us because of this. But it does not indict our democracy. A resolution of these issues through the light and had rights and liberties of this country guaranteed under our constitution. Thats exactly how we move forward as a society. And well. One quick question on the healthcare front. The cdc and others in the 90s being allowed to share scientific information. About covid19 with their respective chinese counterparts. Centers are we are very interested. Indeed cooperation in the peoples republic of china to understand the origins and with the barrette virus. I will say that its been a stubborn resistance that we face from the peoples republic of china pretty dating back to midjanuary when i was first engaging this issue with the Chinese Government<\/a> over several weeks refused to allow up to be a joke but delegations in china. In order to examine these issues. At present, we are now an environment which we will overwhelmingly, passed a resolution calling for that exact kind of investigation under independent leadership. It is appointed to with who perspective leader to lead that effort. There deeply frustrated by their inability to gain access in order to do the work that the World Health Organization<\/a> has appointed them to do. We would be prepared to have that discussion. We could potentially open some areas of cooperation with china. To the benefit of the entire world. If im these issues with this counterpart in honolulu approximately a month ago when we met there. Unfortunately the chinese have not taken up on that proposal. Thank you mr. Chairman. Thank you for being here. When he decided to step up and come back into Public Service<\/a>. As of this was an important time in our history. I would glad you stepped up. I didnt know how important it would be. So here we are talking about one of the great challenges that we face china. Having an increasingly aggressive posture with us in some areas. I know this is a been discussing today. Certainly in trade hopeful in finished phase one. The faith likely and they continue to not play by the rules. Military ventures in self genesee, weve seen recently, in taiwan and elsewhere. I was into been a couple of years ago. I then see what goes on there. The reset passing of the security law in hong kong. At some a troubling things. On sq but another one. And relates to china targeting researchers. With this long list, this list of horrible. Tell me something good that is happening inspect your relationship on china. An issue that i know that is near and dear to you, the chinese just about several days in mind that dea to establish a presence in order of consulates in china in order to deepen our collaboration. Funding against the trade the precursors that we have seen being used related some of the restrictions that have been in place. It is a small issue is one that we can potentially work on with the chinese pretty icing in regular contact with my china counterpart parade is an important area of shared interest between the United States<\/a> and china. I wouldnt say they were completely faithful in fulfilling the responsibility of the International Sanctions<\/a> regime grade lustily deal generally push in the right direction. It is an area at least where we can have discussions. We stay in close touch with the Chinese Government<\/a>. On the piece process in afghanistan. Like many other countries in the region, china has assured interest is to blow coming of afghanistan. They want to see the territory of afghanistan surrender to terrace rule again. And frankly, neither does the peoples republic of china. There are several areas that highlight in my testimony. Unless there are areas of cooperation between us. By 16 page testimony can be [applause] by one third and in doing so, we had remove the litany of the issues you raised in many of them, it is a long list and a formidable challenge. A generational challenge that we face in china. In smaller areas of cooperation that ive highlighted. We have an enormous task ahead of us. While i agree. And the challenge is only growing every day as i see it. And thats the reason i ask about the positive lines of communications that we do have open. Its important to have that. And i believe with regards to the technology and invasion the where finally waking up as a country. I think that we typically to the point the finger at china when effect we need to get our own house in order. And what is not to be naive about the with the chinese have been up to. And this is really behind it. And their relationship with their own universities and research. Over 20 years as you know, for two decades they have been systematically taken out good research, much paid for by the u. S. Tax paper and they are. And using it to help fuel their own economic crisis and the military lives. Some of this military technology. I think youre aware that the fact that we have legislation again on the committee of Homeland Security<\/a> but we work very closely with your people. Because one of the five major allies in this legislation has to do with the visa process and the ability to deal with the current loophole in law is it relates to export them to be able to deny visa for somebody you able to come to this country and take our most important information. Thank you people. They were closely with us and help us to it adjust to address concerns that the universities had. Do you have any thoughts on this broader issue. Our legislation is called safeguarding market innovation because thats what its about. There are several elements to about one is very important. And relates directly to your department. Thank you. When complete agreement on the gravity of the problem. It is been ongoing for a very long time. We have more tools to push back against it and as i said earlier in the hearing, the state department is working closely with our domestic Law Enforcement<\/a> partners in order to address these issues. The coming days will be the recipient of some additional briefings on these matters related to health some respect that the president directed to the department this week. And also from the department of justice. Ill say that youll get more detail on the full effort that we have undertaken in order to push back. With the indictment and arrests and increase since her report came out this last year we call for the doj and they appear to step up in the half. I think we seeing the tip of the iceberg including 54 scientists being relieved the duties of the National Sins<\/a> of health the researchers theyve been providing Grant Funding<\/a> to. Summa resigned and some were fired. We have countless examples that including own state of ohio people who have a conflict taking millions of dollars from china and the u. S. Tax paper and pentair not revealing the chinese money and setting up replicate labs in china take the research and innovations. Leapfrogging us by taking advantage of our research enterprise. Thank you. Theyre working on that important legislation to counter this. Thank you. Thank you mr. Chairman. These are very divided times for our country. Ive to say just few minutes ago, this Committee Heard<\/a> a democratic senator compare federal Law Enforcement<\/a> agents to Chinese Communist<\/a> oppressors. Silencing and brutalizing protesters in hong kong. Political disaffirmance defined. Well let me say for the record, that comparison is obscene, is false, and it is grotesque. I recognized for one oh four days out from an election. Lastly, the speaker of the house tweeted out a statement calling federal Law Enforcement<\/a> officers storm troopers. A term typically reserved for and other such oppressive thugs. She alleged that they were kidnapping people on the streets. She described this people is innocent and Peaceful Protesters<\/a>. Cops are not storm troopers. In an arrest is not kidnapping. And people who are engaged in violent acts of riots, who are assaulting innocent citizens who are firebombing police because the lowtech and federal filters that without him, who have lingering Police Officers<\/a> are not engaged in peaceful protest. So i would just encourage members of this committee and the senate, you may not like the president. Thats your prerogative in a democratic system. But slavery federal Law Enforcement<\/a> officers for protecting courthouses and federal properties by calling them and analyzing them to call me doug some of those about comments to the fitting descendent of the United States<\/a>. Speaking of communist. This morning was announces that state department asked the chinese consulate in houston to vacate the premises within 72 hours. I was wondering if you tell this committee with the reason when i was on what basis that was fourth. In my earlier remarks. If ive highlighted three areas of particular concern that the United States<\/a>. And the president leap make these decisions. One who was a persistent of u. S. Technology by Chinese Government<\/a> representatives and agents. The second is the degree to which is being done. Through abuse of our Student Exchange<\/a> systems. The third is the behavior of chinese diplomats in houston consulate in a manner that is incompatible with the Standard Practice<\/a> of diplomacy. There will be sensitive briefings given to members of the committee. Even arranged now in our counterparts in domestic Law Enforcement<\/a> has likewise been in touch with the oversight entities. Ill assure you that you will have more detail on this. But for purposes of an ongoing process and also an ongoing investigation. Ive prefer to leave it for that discussion credit. I had that classified discussion already great for this week. I would encourage them that protecting sources to make the basis public. I think it is beneficial i have no reason to doubt your representations of the personnel the chinese consulate in houston with behaving in ways harmful to u. S. National security interest in think it is beneficial for both american and the world to understand some of the evidence about what the software. Bullets chip to a different topic. That is taiwan. And what the u. S. Can do substantively and symbolically emphasize for allies. And in 2015, the Obama Administration<\/a> responded to a request from china. An abandoned tonys officials military members from displaying their flags or insignia on u. S. Government property in basis. Ive introduced legislation that would reverse these guidelines. That decision can also be made within the state department by the administration. Can you speak is how the administration views this specific issue with her taiwanese official should be able to display the plagues and insignia and also address more broadly the issue of supporting taiwan in the face of chinese aggression. So unspecific question. I was unfamiliar with that policy pronounce the previous administered in. We are of more than happy to take a look at. In an act towards reversing it. In regard to our relationship with the people of taiwan. The secretary commended for very successful election is a said earlier pretty demonstrating the chinese heritage and confusion society designing compatible with democracy we should never forget that. And we should only hope the people of china and all joy the fruits of democracy. In the meantime from the United States<\/a> remains fully engaged in our commitments under the taiwan sect. We are providing ongoing support for the defense capabilities of the people of taiwan. The effect is recently approved some additional sales on top of already artists arm sell taiwan by any administration. Since the United States<\/a> recognized the peoples republic of china. We expect china to hold its commitments. Two peaceful results in any dispute. The watch very closely over that fact. Most believe that theres an important place for taiwan. For example the World Health Agency<\/a>. As an observer important to spinning global dialogue, and protecting the International Community<\/a> from the ravages of pandemics like covid19. The tiny whinnies authorities enjoyed tremendous success in containing covid19 because perhaps even more so than many of us were aware of exactly what they were contending with not just in terms of the virus but in terms of country from which it originated. And so we have a very high esteem for taiwan. And i will take a look at the issue the u. S. Thank you. Thank you mr. Chairman. I think it was all over Wendell Holmes<\/a> as the men must be judged by the passions of the time. I would simply say that when we have federal agents sweep up innocent Peaceful Protesters<\/a> in lafayette park, that the president can have a photo off, it is not served our cause of promoting and the democracy and human rights as an example. And so i think the senator from new mexico, his last question was pursuing that with the secretary. I think that all great theres a lot of silence that took place withing we can all agree that is not in our collective interests. There are consistent reports that u. S. Companies failed to undertake basic labor and human rights assessments. In essence. Willfully ignoring the horrific conditions of forced labor. This is a problem for clothing and garment manufacturers given that 84 percent of chinese come from jean john. And then a wide array of u. S. Companies including apple, craft, heinz, cocacola and among others a sort or will continue sourced from this area. Other International Firms<\/a> with considerable u. S. Presence also have operations there. Including those who have partnerships with stateowned military contractors manufacture and supply the Chinese Government<\/a> with the mass surveillance tools and tactics of. Given the ongoing threat that the sourcing of goods and services produced by forced labor from ching chang what is the department take of the glaring human rights issues that are contributing their by sourcing goods from ching chang. I can assure you that 100 percent of the concerns and fueling upgrade and we are actively engaging with the sector in order to ensure they put in place the mechanisms to detect any entry into their supply chain of goods made in ching chang from forced labor. Also pretty. Two weeks ago, the undersecretary keith, since a personal letter to 500 ceos across the country as well as every trade Business Association<\/a> operating in china. Laying out the supply chain dimensions of this. How Companies Need<\/a> not to pursue in order to determine to remove them. Set the first time weve confronted like this. I think youre well aware and they can probably also been a supporter of initiatives like the blood diamonds. The research is on the other conflict minerals and the great lakes region. It requires static pressure. In setting the bar by the government which we have done with these companies. And that will using tools and mechanisms like this in the Exchange Commission<\/a> to hold Companies Accountable<\/a> if the effective not expunge these goods from the supply chains. When these priorities for the department on this issue. One of the seniormost officials and the department has taken the deep personal initiative to persuade countries runs issue to take enforcement. We look forward to hearing more about that. They need to be responsible in this regard. I agree with you in this conversation here. Hopefully will help further eliminate Great Expectations<\/a> of those Companies Need<\/a> to abide by. Finally the state Department Released<\/a> in 2018 diplomatic table noting the Wuhan Institute<\/a> had serious shortage of appropriately trained people in order to contain his laboratory. Versus that you may be aware that ive been asking since march of this year, repeatedly for these cables and for engagement everything for the department this committee on the question of the covid19 origins. To which i have received no response. And everything, nothing. Even all of the statements by Senior Level Administration<\/a> officials on this issue, find it perplexing that the administration has been unwilling to engage with congress as to these simple requests. Has am sure you would we still here is a senior staff member of this committee. He pledged me that the department by the end of this week will schedule this long requested classified briefing and discussion for the committee to take place before the end of the sport. Which is inning and another two weeks pretty. I will pledge to try. And would be back in touch with your team throughout legislative affairs to schedule such a briefing. It certainly the level of safety at tiny laboratories around the breath of the peoples republic of china, his ongoing issue of concern for it is been written about extensively in any number of public generals including a wellknown Science Magazine<\/a> story about public cases. So we can make an independent judgment of what you have or dont have. So i look forward to hopefully getting, this is been going on since march. Yet i keep hearing the president himself and other officials refer to these things in public. To the press. For the consumption of members of the United States<\/a> senate. And of this committee cannot get access to something is critical to understanding the nature of the veracity, the depth of the understanding and whether or not this is the case being promoted by the president so let me ask you this open. Which is not a question is classified. Does the United States<\/a> government have clear and convincing evidence that this pandemic originated in and was released from the wilpon an ande Wuhan Institute<\/a> rated. Senator any thing that happens, with outside of the there is some uncertainty around that matter. Have been part of that covid19 and opportunities to discuss this very question was some of the leading experts in the United States<\/a> including fellow members of the Vice President<\/a> s task force. Such as dr. Fauci and doctor redfield. And other experts in the state department. It is inclusive but that only highlights the extreme urgency for the World Health Organization<\/a> inquiry that was authorized in the World Health Agency<\/a> earlier this year to be able to get on the ground in wuhan and have access to the home on institute and make that firm determination. So i hear you say that is inconclusive. As to whether it was clear and convincing evidence and you said it was inconclusive. I share with you that we should have all of the facts. But until we do have all of the facts, making statements and assertions that are as if they were fact, does not serve well. Thank you. Thinking senator mendez. After the members, the record will remain open until five human friday for questions. Thanks much for being here. Thank you pursuit being so generous with your time. Really appreciate your good faith effort to address the questions and sincerely and in good faith is best you can. So that the committee will be adjourned. To my thank you. [background sounds]. [background sounds]. [background sounds]. [background sounds]. [background sounds]. And watch tv, saturday evening in camp he said, settling in march several hours of your favorite author. Saturday, featuring books written by former president s including jimmy carter, george hw bush. Bill clinton, george w. Bush. And barack obama. Watch saturday, august 8 feature books written by former first ladys credit including rosalynn carter, barbara bush, hillary clinton, laura bush and michelle obama. Page watch tv all summer on cspan2. American history tv on cspan three. Exploring the people and events the telling american story every weekend. Coming up this weekend, saturday at 8 00 p. M. Eastern, on lectures in history clearly back to 2012 from phyllis about the roots and development of the modern conservative movement and sunday at 4 00 p. M. Eastern on real america, training films from the 1960s. At 6 00 p. M. Eastern on american artifacts, mature of the Ellis Island Immigration Museum<\/a> at 7 00 p. M. Eastern historians david and Annette Gordon<\/a> talk about recent debates about removing Historical Monuments<\/a> pretty his point the american story. What a mark in history tv. This weekend on cspan three. Services in honor of the late congressman john lewis speaking this weekend and will continue this week with memorials plant in alabama, washington dc, and georgia. Cspans coverage begins tomorrow with a Public Service<\/a> in the town of his birth. Troy, alabama. Live coverage of an 11 00 a. M. Eastern on cspan. 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