Former Vice President Mike Pence said over the weekend that he views communist China as the top threat that the United States faces.
Pence made the remarks during a Sunday interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper on “State of the Union” when asked about former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley’s recent comments that she believes China is an enemy of the U.S.
“China is the greatest economic and strategic threat facing the United States in the 21st century. And I was proud to lead during our administration on changing our national policy toward China,” Pence said. “In fact, I’m returning the first of this week to Hudson Institute, where, about five years ago, I gave that first speech.”
“I mean, look, we sent a message to China after years of trade abuses, intellectual property theft, military provocations in the Asia-Pacific, let alone human rights abuses against Muslim Uyghurs and Christian pastors in China, that enough was enough,” he continued. “We put $250 billion in tariffs on China. And while the Biden administration hasn’t undone those tariffs yet, to be honest with you, we should have been increasing the pressure as we see even more aggressive behavior by China.”
“But if I’m president of the United States, we’re going to meet this moment with American strength,” he concluded. “We’re going to limit China’s access to our economy until they straighten up and fly right and live by the rules of the road in international trade. And we’re going to build a 355-ship Navy. I believe we can eclipse the Chinese navy in the Asia-Pacific, because, ultimately, peace and prosperity comes through strength.”
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