Senator Tom Cotton, Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and author of "Seven Things You Can't Say About China," shares insights from his political journey and military background. The conversation dives into the lab leak theory of COVID-19 origins and critiques U.S. policies on China, highlighting the continuity of authoritarianism. Cotton discusses China's geopolitical threats, economic vulnerabilities, and the high-stakes role of Taiwan in global relations, emphasizing the need for strategic military reforms.
Senator Tom Cotton asserts that the COVID-19 virus likely originated from a lab in Wuhan, highlighting concerns about transparency from the Chinese government.
Advocating for a strong U.S. strategy towards China, Cotton emphasizes the importance of military preparedness and strategic decoupling from the Chinese economy.
Deep dives
Background of Senator Tom Cotton
Senator Tom Cotton has a notable background that includes a formative upbringing on a cattle farm in Arkansas, graduating cum laude from Harvard University, and earning his law degree from Harvard Law School. His commitment to national service led him to enlist in the U.S. Army post-9/11, where he served as an infantry officer in Iraq and Afghanistan, earning commendations such as the Bronze Star Medal. After his military career, Cotton transitioned to the private sector as a management consultant before entering politics, winning a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 and later the U.S. Senate in 2014. His legislative focus has centered primarily on national security and defense issues, reflecting his military background and expertise.
Assessment of COVID-19 Origins
Senator Cotton asserts that the COVID-19 virus likely originated from a lab in Wuhan, China, a viewpoint that he has maintained since the early days of the outbreak. He argues that the evidence leans toward a lab leak rather than zoonotic transmission, highlighting inconsistencies in the Chinese government's narrative and actions regarding the virus. Cotton's perspective is reinforced by intelligence assessments from agencies like the FBI and the Department of Energy, which indicate a strong likelihood of a lab source. He emphasizes that the lack of concrete evidence will not deter this assessment, suspecting that much of the relevant information may have been destroyed to cover up the lab's role.
China as an 'Evil Empire'
Senator Cotton characterizes China as an 'evil empire,' drawing parallels with the Soviet Union during the Reagan era. He describes the Communist Party as a dictatorship that has oppressed its citizens and engaged in numerous brutal campaigns, including the genocides of the Uyghurs and Tibetans. Cotton argues that the party's leadership is entrenched and operates under a facade of economic reform while maintaining strict control over society, with historical roots stemming from figures like Mao Zedong. He stresses the importance of recognizing the nature of the Chinese regime to understand its international behavior and threat level.
Strategic Posture Toward China
Cotton advocates for a strong and actionable U.S. strategy regarding China, advising against dependence on the Chinese economy and urging for strategic decoupling where feasible. He highlights critical dependencies, including pharmaceuticals and rare earth minerals, that pose risks to national security and calls for rebuilding U.S. military capabilities, particularly to defend Taiwan. In discussing the Taiwan issue, he favors a stance of strategic certainty, asserting that the U.S. should clearly commit to defending Taiwan against aggression. Cotton emphasizes the need for a robust military presence and preparation to deter potential Chinese actions in the region, underscoring the high stakes involved.
Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) talks about his new book -- "Seven Things You Can't Say About China" -- and says most of them.
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