The U.S. Chamber of Commerce expressed concerns over mounting risks posed by Chinese policies.
The Chamber called for the U.S. to remove some of the risks posed by the U.S.-China relationship and restrict Chinese access to technology that poses national security risks, according to a May 10 news release.
“The U.S.-China relationship not only demands serious dialogue but also leadership and action," Suzanne P. Clark, chairman and CEO of the U.S. Chamber, said in the release "We’ve all witnessed the Chinese government’s prioritization of its national security intensify over the past two decades — with increasingly concerning actions in just the last few weeks. These policies and practices in pursuit of China’s absolute security — together with massive state subsidies, unfair commercial practices and human rights abuses — have made the world less secure.”
During the 13th annual China Business Conference, Clark also expressed concerns about China's security policies undermining its commitment to openness and attracting foreign investment, highlighting the importance of productive commercial opportunities while safeguarding national security, the release reported. She added the Chamber will continue to support American businesses, protect national security, advance the economy and ensure competitiveness in the future, adding that while she didn't advocate a policy of distancing the U.S. from China, she did suggest reducing risk.
She emphasized not every economic interaction with China is a national security risk, according to the release.
"We must safeguard our national security and values," she said in the release. "We support targeted and responsible steps to restrict Chinese access to sensitive technologies that could be used to undermine America’s national security, including export controls, technology restrictions and scrutiny of outbound investment.”
Clark added there is a "vast area of commercial opportunity where we can and should engage productively,” the release reported.
“Transactions that don’t pose a threat to national security strengthen the U.S. economy, present opportunities for small businesses and improve the standard of living for millions of Americans," Clark noted, according to the release. "Importantly, if we treat every economic interaction as a risk, we lose focus on areas that truly do pose a threat.”
Speakers and panelists at the conference included Reps. Mike Gallagher and Raja Krishnamoorthi, Sens. Dan Sullivan, Chris Van Hollen, Ely Ratner, Dr. Kevin Rudd and Bonnie Glaser, the Chamber reported in the release.
