In a recent address on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, voiced his strong support for the nomination of David Perdue as the ambassador to China.
Senator Risch characterized this nomination as one of the most significant decisions the Senate will face, commending the President for selecting Perdue for this crucial role.
Highlighting China’s transformation from a developing nation to a formidable competitor, Risch emphasized that it poses the most enduring foreign policy challenge for the United States.
He stated, “China, as we all know, is the largest, most significant, and longest lasting foreign policy challenge that the United States of America has – and it will continue to be for some time.”
Risch pointed out that China has rapidly developed its economy primarily by appropriating ideas from the United States, resulting in the rise of a challenging rival.
“China has moved from a third-world country to a near-peer to the United States. Its economy is growing rapidly, and it has done that the old-fashioned way: by stealing every good idea the U.S. has, and used it to its own devices,” he commented.
Risch then outlined the global geopolitical landscape, suggesting a shift towards a bipolar world divided between democracies and authoritarian regimes.
On one side, he noted, are countries aligned with democratic values and capitalism, while on the other side is China, characterized by its communist and socialist ideologies that lack regard for human rights.
The senator brought attention to the severe human rights abuses happening in China, specifically mentioning the genocide against the Uyghur Muslim population.
Risch expressed his hope for Perdue to effectively address these pressing issues as he takes on his ambassadorial role.
He acknowledged the substantial challenges ahead, particularly as they pertain to China’s influence in the United States.
Risch remarked, “China has done everything it can do to infiltrate the United States. Most people in America have no understanding about the tremendous amount and millions of dollars that the Chinese government pumps into our colleges and universities here in the United States.”
The senator emphasized the need to put an end to foreign influence in the nation’s political system, which has been a longstanding concern.
He underlined, “No foreign government can come into our political system and use money to influence our political system. Yet, a foreign government, like China, can go into our colleges and universities and pump in millions of dollars and use that money to influence the institutions.”
Risch called for collective action to stop foreign influences in American education, remarking that it is crucial to protect the integrity of these institutions.
He called on his colleagues to unite in support of David Perdue as he undertakes the formidable task of representing American interests in Beijing.
Risch concluded by expressing confidence in Perdue’s capability to lead the charge against the Chinese government and uphold the tough stance toward China that he believes is essential, especially in light of President Trump’s vision for U.S.-China relations.
In his final remarks, Risch encouraged his fellow senators to stand with him in endorsing Perdue’s nomination, recognizing the pivotal role he will play in addressing the complex challenges posed by China.
image source from：https://www.foreign.senate.gov/press/rep/release/chairman-risch-gives-floor-remarks-in-support-of-david-perdue-to-be-ambassador-to-china
