Rep. Mike Gallagher, chair of the U.S. House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, warns of America’s technological lag behind China and calls for a robust bipartisan defense strategy.
At a Glance
- Gallagher emphasizes the U.S. falling behind China in technology and software
- He stresses the need for detailed supply chain scrutiny and port infrastructure security
- Gallagher criticizes the Biden administration’s collaborative approach with China on AI
- He advocates for a bipartisan defensive posture and revitalization of the American defense industry
- The congressman warns of a “window of maximum danger” for potential Chinese action against Taiwan
Gallagher’s Background and Expertise
Congressman Mike Gallagher brings a wealth of experience to his role as chair of the U.S. House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. With degrees from Princeton, National Intelligence University, and Georgetown, as well as seven years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps, Gallagher has established himself as a formidable voice on national security matters. Having been elected four times to represent Wisconsin’s eighth district, he has consistently focused on the challenges posed by China to American interests.
Gallagher’s expertise extends beyond academic credentials. His hands-on experience and deep understanding of geopolitical dynamics have positioned him as a key figure in shaping U.S. policy towards China. His warnings about the technological race with China stem from a comprehensive analysis of the current global landscape.
The China Threat: Beyond Taiwan
While much attention is focused on the potential for conflict over Taiwan, Gallagher emphasizes that the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) ambitions are far broader. He argues that the CCP aims to displace or destroy American global leadership through various means, including economic coercion and influence operations within the United States.
“America’s greatest threat is the Chinese Communist Party”
Gallagher has highlighted the CCP’s establishment of illegal police stations on American soil and efforts to intimidate individuals on U.S. campuses. These actions, he contends, are part of a larger strategy to undermine American institutions and values from within.
The Taiwan Dilemma and U.S. Strategy
Gallagher has been particularly vocal about the strategic importance of Taiwan and the potential for Chinese aggression. He warns of a “window of maximum danger” surrounding the 2024 Taiwanese election, during which China might be tempted to make a move against the island nation.
“The United States is facing,” quote, “a window of maximum danger,” explain that.
To counter this threat, Gallagher and his committee have advanced bipartisan recommendations to deter China from attacking Taiwan. These include addressing the $19 billion Taiwan arms sale backlog, establishing a Taiwan reserves stockpile, implementing multiyear munitions procurement, and passing cybersecurity legislation for Taiwan. Notably, seven out of ten of these recommendations have been included in the fiscal 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), underscoring the seriousness with which Congress is treating this issue.
Technological Competition and National Security
Gallagher’s concerns extend to the realm of technology and its implications for national security. He has raised alarms about Chinese-owned companies like Lenovo, which was named a “known security risk” by the Pentagon’s inspector general in 2019. Gallagher emphasizes the need for transparency and security in defense-related technology procurement, highlighting the potential risks of allowing Chinese-linked firms to operate on military bases.
“ChangXin Memory Technologies’ (CXMT) products are widely understood to serve military and strategic purposes, and their continued access to U.S. technology poses a significant risk to national security.” – Source
Furthermore, Gallagher has stressed that American investments should not finance the CCP’s technological ambitions, particularly in critical areas such as AI, quantum computing, and semiconductors. This stance reflects a growing consensus among policymakers about the need to protect American technological advantages and prevent the transfer of sensitive technologies to potential adversaries.
A Call for Bipartisan Action
Throughout his work, Gallagher has emphasized the need for a bipartisan approach to addressing the China challenge. He views U.S.-China relations as a new Cold War, requiring a whole-of-society effort to maintain America’s competitive edge. This includes not only military preparedness but also economic and technological strategies to counter Chinese influence.
“I’ve been critical of what I call ‘zombie engagement’ by the Biden administration.”
Gallagher’s call for a robust defense posture, coupled with strategic investments in critical technologies and industries, represents a comprehensive approach to what he sees as the defining geopolitical challenge of our time. As tensions with China continue to simmer, Gallagher’s warnings and recommendations are likely to play a significant role in shaping U.S. policy for years to come.
