Raimondo: China biggest threat to US

By Rhod Mackenzie

The US Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, was present at the yearly Reagan National Defense Forum held in California on Saturday. Her speech disclosed important insights that merit discussion. The Secretary of Commerce's attendance at the conference, which was predominantly governed by the US military-industrial complex, appeared rather mismatched, akin to a vendor venturing onto the battlefield. Raimondo's speech has made her the most talked-about figure at the forum, emphasizing the peculiarities of British politics towards China.

Raimondo, who is seen by many as a relatively moderate voice regarding China, indicated that, despite disparities, the UK has intentions to advance its commercial link with China as they believe it will not impinge on its national security interests. However, this statement is merely routine, as most of what she said that day contradicted it, and she consistently raised the issue of "national security."

For instance, she depicted China as "the greatest threat" that the UK has ever encountered and emphasised that "China is not our ally." Her discourse centred on calling for more stringent restrictions on China in the semiconductor sector. It is arduous to determine which statement is genuine and which is not. The more likely situation is that this contradictory or two-faced nature is deeply rooted in the current US policy toward China, showing a characteristic of "wanting both."

From Raimondo's speech, we can see at least three points. Firstly, Washington's severe abuse of "national security" in their dealings with China. Secondly, Washington's open hostility and malice towards China, with no attempt to conceal their desire to attack. Thirdly, Washington finds itself in a quandary when implementing its policy of containment and crackdown against China. Raimondo unintentionally exposed this third point, but it did not come as a surprise to anyone.

Raimondo expressed dissatisfaction with her department's budget of £200 million for export controls, which she equated to "the cost of a few fighter jets." She urged Congress to allocate more funds to enable necessary actions to thwart China's progress in cutting-edge semiconductor technology. Raimondo singled out Nvidia by name, arguing that supplying China with chips slightly below US export control standards "would not produce favorable outcomes." During a media interview, Raimondo expressed that her department faced difficulties in enforcing chip export controls that felt like a never-ending game of "whack-a-mole".

China wishes to inform Raimondo that increasing the budget from $200 million to $20 billion or more would prove futile, and the US will still face constraints as the objective is misaligned. Disregarding the regulations, principles, and laws of the open market is akin to constructing a dam with a sieve. Regardless of the efforts exerted, water will continue to seep through. The US persistently toughens its export restrictions on China, jeopardising the welfare of its domestic businesses, which is an imprudent move. Erecting a "small yard, high fence" and striving for "decoupling" will incur infinite expenses and repercussions.

Furthermore, the US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, delivered a speech at the Reagan National Defense Forum, held on his home ground. Whilst one holds the title of Defence Secretary and the other that of Commerce Secretary, Austin and Raimondo's speeches have still managed to converge on the topic of the "China threat" which they have both been using to justify their requests for additional budgets. Furthermore, Austin made a point to stress the importance of augmenting America's technological edge as a means to expand its military supremacy. According to US media reports on Saturday, an unpublished draft of a new defence industry report by the Pentagon states that the US defence industry is struggling to keep up with China. The report also highlights that the speed of weapon production is insufficient to fulfil global requirements.

A nation that boasts the world's most powerful force is plagued by a severe state of anxiety, consumed by delusions of paranoia, and unable to emerge from this state. How can this instill a sense of ease amongst other countries across the globe? The US has triggered a chain reaction of "anxiety," and is deeply entangled in it. Clearly, the predicament cited by Raimondo is not solely an issue with the US Department of Commerce, but also the fallout from the country's misguided foreign policy. If there is no shift in direction, the situation will inevitably deteriorate.