On Wednesday, August 21, the Democratic National Convention in the United States entered its third day in Chicago’s United Center. Addressing the challenges facing the country’s future, some members of Congress have stated that the authoritarianism of China and Russia presents the greatest external threat to the United States, but both parties in Congress have begun to collaborate to counter these threats.
California Democratic Representative Mark Takano expressed that the global encroachment of authoritarianism poses the greatest threat to Western liberal democracies.
So, what is global authoritarianism? Takano believes that the actions of leaders in China and Russia embody authoritarianism. While acknowledging other threats, he considers these two countries to be the biggest concerns.
Which liberal democracies are being threatened? According to Takano, these include the United States, Europe, Japan, South Korea, Australia, as well as countries like Taiwan. This alliance of democratic regimes is crucial, as “a rule-based global order is crucial to our country’s prosperity.”
He emphasized that in addressing the potential challenges posed by China, bipartisan cooperation is “undoubtedly” necessary.
Regarding the threat posed by Putin and Russia, Democratic members of Congress support Ukraine, while only half of Republicans do. He believes that “many Republicans underestimate the threat that Putin poses to U.S. interests.”
Former Connecticut Congressman Chris Shays admitted to once hoping that China’s shift towards a free-market economy would lead to a democratic system, but he has now changed his views.
“Because Chinese (CCP) leaders want to maintain power and control the news, controlling the news means no democracy.”
He also mentioned how the CCP would surveil and tempt visiting American officials – a well-known practice in U.S. politics.
“Every time I visited China, I was warned to be careful, that there would be bugs and cameras in the room, and there might be pretty women trying to entice me,” he said. “Once I fall for it, (the CCP) will always have leverage over me.”
He believes the U.S. government should be open with the public about the real threat posed by the CCP, “to make Americans realize how serious this issue is.”
He referenced the organ harvesting incidents in China as “unbelievable,” stating that some people do actually go to China for this purpose. He called for the halt of such trade, public disclosure, and exposure to bring about change.
The U.S.-China economic ties are interconnected in many ways and could pose national security threats. Shays said, “This is a major and complex issue,” stressing the need to engage in trade with China while also criticizing their misconduct.
Missouri Democratic Representative Emanuel Cleaver stated that despite external threats from countries like China, Russia, and Iran, the U.S. remains the strongest country economically and militarily in the world.
“I do believe that Russia poses a threat to the U.S., and China poses a threat to the U.S. But despite the threats, they can’t do much. We are the most powerful country on this planet, militarily and economically, and there are no signs that we will be surpassed soon.”
He asserted, “As long as those countries with nuclear powers are in charge, we will not see a war that destroys the world. So I think we must closely monitor China (CCP), Russia, and Iran. Because I expect at some point next year, they may announce that they have nuclear weapons.”
He told Yang Jiekai of The Epoch Times, “There is no greater threat than internal potential threats,” adding, “In historical examples, civilizations are not attacked externally but are torn apart by internal divisions and issues.”