Former Republican congressman Mike Gallagher discusses the need to actively compete with China in the new Cold War, including legislative efforts to confront China. He talks about Beijing's advancements globally, infiltration in the US, and future of the Republican party. Gallagher also shares his decision to leave Congress for family reasons and insights on the state of Republican politics.
The US must shift from managing to actively winning the Cold War with China.
China's ambition extends globally, aiming to reshape the global order in its favor.
Deep dives
The Strategic Rivalry with China
The United States is facing a significant strategic challenge from China, marking the first time since the Cold War that America's supremacy is seriously contested. The threat from China, a more populous country with a dynamic economy and strong military, exceeds that posed by the USSR. Despite efforts to curb China's growth, policymakers appear inadequately prepared to address the situation.
China's Global Ambitions
China's strategic goals extend beyond regional hegemony to global dominance, challenging the American-led free world. Chinese Communist Party, led by Xi Jinping, aims to reshape the global order in its favor, potentially undermining democratic systems. The Chinese regime seeks to export its authoritarian model, evident in actions like dismantling the one country, two systems agreement in Hong Kong.
China's Strategic Alliances
A notable alliance with Russia and potentially Iran forms an 'axis of authoritarians' aimed at countering Western influence. While historical tensions existed between China and Russia, their common goal of challenging Western powers unifies them, echoing the dynamics of 1930s axis powers. The joint efforts against Western influence suggest a coordinated strategic challenge.
Defense Readiness and Taiwan's Security
Concerns arise over the insufficiency in defense capabilities and delayed foreign military sales to Taiwan, hindering effective deterrence against potential threats. The need for bolstering conventional deterrence, enhancing military readiness, and addressing recruitment challenges emerge as critical areas. Ensuring adequate support for allies like Taiwan in the face of rising security threats necessitates urgent military reform and modernization efforts.
Are we losing the new Cold War? In a rare moment of bipartisan unity, all sides in America seem to agree that we are in a long new Cold War struggle with Communist China. But if that's the case, why are we just managing the contest rather than actually trying to win it? On this episode of the Free Expression podcast, former Republican congressman Mike Gallagher, who led congressional efforts to confront China, including most recently with legislation banning TikTok, tells Gerry Baker how Beijing is aggressively advancing around the world - including here at home in the U.S., and how we can rise to meet the challenge. The once rising star in GOP ranks also talks about why he left Congress and how he sees the future of the Republican party.