Republicans Attack Blinken for China Trip, Threatening Subpoena
Why It Matters
The clash reflects two divergent approaches to dealing with a rising China, and could influence forthcoming debates over military spending. Republicans have accused the Biden administration of responding fecklessly to Chinese provocations, like the spy balloon that flew over the United States earlier this year, and argue it would be more prudent to make displays of military solidarity with Taiwan than pursue a diplomatic thaw.
“Engagement disconnected from a robust military deterrent? I’m not sure what it will actually achieve,” said Representative Mike Gallagher, Republican of Wisconsin and the chairman of a House panel focused on strategic competition with China.
But Democrats argue that engagement is crucial. Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey, the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, said he hoped that during the summit, “we can create some level of communication, particularly on the defense side, so that we can deconflict” with Beijing.
Background
Beijing cut off a series of diplomatic, military and energy engagements with the United States last year, in the wake of then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan over the objections of China. Relations between the two countries experienced another setback earlier this year, when the Chinese spy balloon floated over the United States, hovering near sensitive military sites. Mr. Blinken canceled a planned trip to Beijing in the aftermath of the balloon incident.
Last week, revelations that China has operated spy facilities in Cuba since at least 2019 and recently improved their ability to monitor electronic communications inside the United States threatened to disrupt Mr. Blinken’s travel plans once again. They also inspired a round of vitriol from the G.O.P. lawmakers against Mr. Blinken for continuing to pursue high-level talks with Beijing.
What’s Next
Mr. McCaul is trying to prove that State Department officials intentionally dragged their feet on punishing China by demanding to see the department’s so-called competitive actions calendars. The documents would show how long it took the department to implement certain measures, such as sanctions or export controls, after they were announced, if at all.
The State Department was not expected to meet the 6 p.m. deadline Mr. McCaul set for producing the documents.
Source: The New York Times
