WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senator Angus King today spoke to top China experts about American defense policy and the need to deter the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from influencing American companies, elections, and interests. In an open hearing of the Senate Intelligence Committee (SSCI), King asked Dr. Glenn Tiffert – a distinguished research fellow at the Hoover Institution – about the importance of a strong deterrence strategy to ensure the United States can defend itself from multiple forms of Chinese aggression.

In a conversation with Dr. Tiffert, Senator King asked about the importance of deterrence against Chinese aggression.

We've spent practically all this hearing talking about the problem, and I'm interested in some of the solutions. I believe that one of the great failures of American policy going back at least three, maybe four administrations is the lack of deterrence,” began Senator King. “We have been a free lunch for China in terms of cyber: the OPM hack, the, the egregious stealing of intellectual property, nothing ever happens as a result. We talk about, Presidents talk about, we will respond in some way at some time of our choosing, never happens. Dr. Tiffert, don't you think we need to develop a stronger deterrent, declaratory policy that if you interfere in this country in illegal and malevolent ways you're going to pay a price?”

“I would agree with that. Absolutely. And developing tools of economic statecraft, I think is something we need to devote a significant attention to, because obviously, we want tools that fall short of war with regard to deterrence,” responded Dr. Tiffert. “So yes, I mean, for too long, we've indulged asymmetry throughout our relationship with China. Everything from journalists visas to students to the way businesses operate, who can do business in China. There's a fundamental mismatch between a closed society, a one-party dictatorship like China, and an open multiparty democracy, like the United States. This is something that I think a lot of countries are waking up to around the world.”

“If they want to compete, that's fine, we can compete. I believe we can compete successfully, but if they are taking advantage of the openness of this society, visa vie the close nature of their society, there should be some response,” concluded Senator King.

A member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator King is recognized as a thoughtful voice on national security and foreign policy issues. In addition, Senator King is seen as a national leader in fighting threats from technology, having served as the Co-Chair of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission – which has had dozens of recommendations become law. Most recently, he introduced bipartisan legislation to better evaluate national security threats posed by China. Earlier in the year, he introduced bipartisan legislation to establish a commission tasked with developing a comprehensive whole-of-government approach for how the United States should address the economic, security and diplomatic challenges posed by China.

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