The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has achieved an unprecedented reach into American life, and the extent of Beijing’s influence over many aspects of American life is astonishing.
The Best Politicians Money Can Buy
In politics, Joe Biden, former vice president of the United States, and his family, are a prime example. Hunter Biden’s investment fund received a large amount of investment capital from the Chinese. Some estimates are as high as a billion dollars, or even more. It’s difficult to know, since details of the transaction haven’t been fully disclosed.With members of his family receiving large amounts of money from adversarial governments such as the one in Beijing, what kind of leverage does that give them over Democratic presidential candidate Biden?
What kind of influence does that kind of money buy?
Unfortunately, there’s a lot more to China’s influence than lining the pockets of Biden’s family’s members and other politicians.
Meddling in US Elections
The answer is, “Too many.” From a former speaker of the House to career diplomats, the list of U.S. government officials on China’s payroll is too long for comfort, with allies on both sides of the aisle.In fact, the election is a critical one, which is why China is doing everything it can to prevent President Donald Trump from winning a second term.
Influencing Academia
In academia, China’s outsized footprint is now common knowledge, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t without influence.Reshaping American Culture
The CCP also understands that in order to control a country, you need to control what its people think and believe. This is a big part of China’s attempt to shape American cultural perceptions.But they’re not the only ones in thrall to the CCP. The NBA is as well.
Rather than standing up against the persecution of millions of Uyghurs by the CCP, as well as the people in Hong Kong fighting for their rights, the NBA has knelt to Beijing.
Tech Censorship
The CCP’s reach also extends deep into the U.S. business community, especially the technology and social media sector. Twitter, Facebook, Apple, Google and many, many more all kneel before Beijing and censor criticism of the Party and its leaders from both within and outside of the country.Time to Rein In China
How much more access to the U.S. economy, including capital markets and the right to do business here, should the United States give China these days?There are many more examples of China’s unfettered influence on American society and our most important institutions and cultural channels, but this gives you an idea of the magnitude of China’s power and influence in America.
Just how long we allow the CCP to dictate what is taught in our schools, how much we allow the CCP to censor our films and shape our culture, laws, and politics, is a big part of the upcoming presidential election.
Should the United States impose broader and deeper restrictions regarding China-owned businesses and Chinese nationals and students operating within the United States?
Definitely.
Should an executive order be issued, disallowing China’s censorship in social media?
Absolutely.
Should the United States continue to disconnect from China as much and as fast as possible?