Mullin’ it over: Hold China accountable now

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its tyrannical government remain a top threat not only to the United States, but the entire globe. Their hostile behavior throughout the past few months has demonstrated their goal of eroding freedom and growing their communist influence.

The Chinese government lied about the origins of COVID-19 and covered up how bad it really was for months. They are directly responsible for the pandemic which has cost us too many lives, all while completely devastating our economy and livelihoods. There must be an international investigation into how the pandemic began and China must fully cooperate. If they do not cooperate, I cosponsored legislation to place tough sanctions on them until they have completed the investigation.

While the world is dealing with the pandemic they created, China is trying to take advantage of the situation through aggression both in Hong Kong, where they implemented a so-called “national security” law, and the South China Sea, where they have made unlawful claims to resources and are bullying the rest of the world in order to gain control.

Hong Kong has operated under a “one party, two systems” structure, allowing the people of Hong Kong to move closer to becoming a democracy. The new “national security” law bans secession, subversion, and foreign interference, which is not only a violation of China’s previous agreements, it’s also a direct attack on Hong Kong’s freedoms.

We cannot let the CCP get away with this power grab. Earlier this year, I joined my colleagues in introducing H.Res. 974, a resolution denouncing the law, which calls for the Free World to stand with Hong Kong, and states unequivocally the law puts Beijing in direct violation of the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration and the Hong Kong Basic Law. Additionally, President Trump signed legislation and an executive order this week to hold China accountable by placing sanctions on any entity helping the CCP erode Hong Kong’s freedoms.

Throughout the last decade, China has increased its drills and combat training throughout the South China Sea. They are using their military powers to intimidate other countries and spread their control throughout the region, which violates international law. If unchecked, China will continue to feel free to violate international principles of sovereignty and democracy.

This week, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo acted to preserve freedom and bring stability to the South China Sea region by standing with our Southeast Asian allies to protect their sovereign rights. I fully support this policy and we will not let China continue to take advantage of the world.

China is a communist country who seeks to undermine democracy every chance they get. As a beacon of freedom to the world, we must hold China accountable for their actions.