The newly appointed chairman of the Special Committee on Communist China in the US House of Representatives stated that he will continue the committee’s longstanding bipartisan cooperation principle and focus on thwarting the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in five key areas.
Michigan Congressman John Moolenaar, a Republican, emphasized in a video conference on Monday (April 29th) that he is well aware that what the CCP fears most is a united America, “a America where Democrats and Republicans work together to defend our nation.”
At the same time, in an op-ed for Fox News, as chairman of the Special Committee on Communist China, he believes that the US must concentrate its efforts in resisting the CCP in five critical areas.
His five main policy priorities are to prevent CCP military aggression towards Taiwan and US allies, halt CCP’s fentanyl trafficking to the US, prevent CCP’s domination of critical sectors in the global economy, counter CCP’s malign influence on the US, and resist CCP propaganda.
Moolenaar stated, “The competition between the US and the CCP is a race we cannot afford to lose.”
He mentioned that the threat from the Chinese Communist Party to the US is escalating, and their actions have shown why Democrats and Republicans must continue to unite against their malicious activities.
During a congressional delegation visit to Taiwan in February, Moolenaar reinforced his stance on the urgent need to strengthen the US defense industry foundation to address the growing military ambitions of the CCP.
He emphasized that the US cannot rely solely on economic measures to deter a potential Chinese military invasion of Taiwan and needs to enhance Taiwan’s military training programs and eliminate bottlenecks that delay Taiwan’s access to essential defense weaponry.
The committee’s report found that China produces 97% of the world’s fentanyl precursors and provides shocking subsidies for fentanyl exports, even tipping off traffickers in advance about impending enforcement actions by US authorities.
Moolenaar wrote, “The CCP is not only complicit in the fentanyl crisis but is also the primary source of the nearly 100,000 deaths that occur in the US annually.” He pressed for the utmost pressure to be applied to Chinese companies producing fentanyl precursors and the Chinese officials supporting them.
Moolenaar expressed concerns about the CCP’s ambitions posing a threat to the global economy. Particularly, as the CCP attempts to dominate critical supply chains to coerce other nations.
Numerous key US supply chains, including electric vehicles and rare earth minerals, rely on China. For instance, China manufactures close to 60% of lithium batteries globally. Moolenaar pointed out that instead of rebuilding domestic production capabilities, federal and state governments in the US offer incentives for Chinese companies to set up facilities in the country, using American taxpayers’ money to aid Chinese firms in achieving their ambitions.
He specifically mentioned the Chinese company CATL. With the influx of inexpensive Chinese electric vehicles into markets worldwide, US automakers are feeling the pressure and considering partnerships with CATL for manufacturing in the US.
Moolenaar cautioned against trading America’s economic leadership for technology and supply chain control in Beijing’s hands.
Moolenaar highlighted the CCP’s expanding influence in communities across the US, including his home state of Michigan.
Aged 62, Moolenaar represents the 2nd congressional district of Michigan. Before entering Congress in 2015, he served as a state representative and senator in Michigan. He also worked as a chemist at Dow Chemical Company before entering politics.
Moolenaar has long been concerned about the US auto manufacturing industry and opposed the establishment of a plant in his district by the Chinese battery company, Guoxuan High-Tech. In terms of economic policy, he advocates for legislative actions by Congress to reset US-China economic relations.
He stated that the investment plans for Guoxuan’s battery component factory had raised many concerns and questions over the past year and a half. Even former CIA Directors, Leon Panetta from the Obama era and Mike Pompeo from the Trump era, testified before Congress, expressing the dangers of allowing CCP-affiliated companies to build production lines in the US.
He warned that such investments would increase US reliance on Chinese technology and could potentially be used for other malicious activities.
“The CCP not only leverages its economic leverage against us but also intimidates, harasses, and influences residents on American soil. The CCP sets up illegal police stations across the US, punishing dissidents who openly oppose the CCP,” Moolenaar stated.
He pointed out that the CCP is seeking to influence American politicians, business leaders, and now even young Americans. Through TikTok and its algorithms, the CCP manipulates and controls what content millions of young Americans see and do not see.
For instance, in 2023, TikTok helped spread content supporting Hamas, leading many Americans to believe that Osama bin Laden, the terrorist behind the 9/11 attacks, was admirable. Even when the House took action to protect Americans from TikTok threats, children were coerced into calling Congress members.
He highlighted that America’s foundation lies in the strength of the nation, which starkly contrasts with the CCP.
Under his leadership, the Special Committee on Communist China will continue its work in a bipartisan manner to hold the CCP accountable for its military, economic, and ideological aggression against the US and its allies. “This is a competition we must win.”
During the video conference on Monday, Moolenaar reiterated his commitment to continuing the committee’s bipartisan spirit.
“I look forward to working alongside Ranking Democrat member Raja Krishnamoorthi to advance the committee’s mission, counter the CCP, and promote America’s strength globally,” Moolenaar said, “Republican and Democratic committee members will collaborate to lead critical bipartisan policies and investigations to expose the threats posed by the CCP.”