In a recent statement, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that Congress should aim to pass a substantial legislation package to tackle China by the end of 2024.
During his speech that covered a variety of topics related to foreign policy, Johnson emphasized the importance of countering China’s actions. He stated that China poses the greatest threat to global peace and it is the responsibility of Congress to use all available resources to address this threat.
According to Johnson, the plan is to create a sanctions package that will target Chinese military firms that provide material support to Russia and Iran. The goal is to punish these firms and potentially restrict outbound investments in China. Johnson stated that they are currently developing legislation for this purpose, which they hope to introduce in the fall.
Johnson claims that China is spearheading an alliance of opponents, which comprises Russia, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, and Cuba. Beijing is reportedly using its influence to thwart US dominance across the world.
“He said that they are using their military, technological, and financial resources more and more to support each other in their attempts to disrupt our trade routes, steal our technology, harm our troops, and destabilize our economy.”
R-La. Representative Johnson is a strong advocate for former President Donald Trump, who has expressed doubts about the United States’ continued participation in NATO and has shared concerns about the level of funding provided to Ukraine by the US.
In his critique of the Biden administration, Johnson didn’t hold back, stating that they don’t see China as an adversary and have failed to provide sufficient backing for Israel, which is in stark contrast to the national security strategy implemented by Trump. However, he did express his overall support for NATO and Ukraine, while also acknowledging the possibility of modifying his stance to align with the policies of a future Trump administration.
According to the House speaker, NATO is a crucial organization that has effectively prevented wars. However, it is imperative that all members of NATO fulfill their promise of investing two percent of their gross domestic product in defense.
During his discussions at the NATO summit, Johnson emphasized the importance of all parties having a stake in the game. He stated that the current spending levels on defense may need to be increased to levels seen during the Cold War. Johnson reiterated that if we want to ensure a future of peace and prosperity, everyone needs to be invested.
Johnson did not clarify his stance on backing further requests for aid for Ukraine. However, he stood by his decision to support the $60 billion supplemental funding bill for Kyiv. The bill was successfully passed through the House earlier this year, despite being opposed by most House Republicans, thanks to Johnson’s efforts.
According to Johnson, Putin’s ambitions extend beyond just taking Kyiv, and he would not hesitate to advance Russian troops towards the borders of NATO allies such as Poland or the Baltic states.
According to Johnson, Russia is currently testing our resolve and he describes them as ruthless. He believes that the situation called for a Churchill or Chamberlain moment for our country and he stands by the decision made.
In his speech, Johnson presented a plan consisting of three components:
-
- Strengthening the domestic economy: Johnson characterized the national debt as the “biggest national security challenge” and said Congress must work to grow the economy while “significantly” reducing government spending. While Johnson didn’t specify what areas Republicans will seek to cut, he said “spending reform” would be a top GOP priority for 2025.
- Improving defense infrastructure: The United States must “rebuild” the military and make key modernization investments to present a credible deterrent to its adversaries, Johnson said. The House Speaker specifically called out the need for more funding for shipbuilding and investments to create new shipyards. The US must reshore certain manufacturing capabilities, protect its domestic supply chains and safeguard the military against across-the-board sequestration cuts, he said.
- Use US economic power to influence partner nations and counter adversaries: Johnson pointed to Congress’s recent passage of legislation that would ban TikTok unless it is sold by its Chinese owners as an example of the economic pressure the US can exact on other nations. The United States must also press Europe “to establish a self sufficient defense industrial base that is less reliant on American assistance,” he said.
