U.S. Senator Jim Risch, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has identified China as the "most significant" threat to the United States. He cited the Chinese government's involvement in intellectual property theft, its role in the fentanyl crisis, and its exploitation of American markets. Risch made these remarks in a January 22 post on X.
In September 2024, Senate Republicans, led by Risch, introduced the STRATEGIC Act 2024. According to a Senate Foreign Relations press release, this legislation aims to bolster U.S. and allied efforts against the growing threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The bill proposes strategies to protect national security, enhance global competitiveness, and counter China's economic and geopolitical actions. Proposed measures include reforms to the Foreign Agents Registration Act, stricter controls on research and university funding, strategic infrastructure investments, and increased support for Taiwan and Indo-Pacific allies.
In October 2023, intelligence chiefs from the Five Eyes alliance accused China of engaging in intellectual property theft and using artificial intelligence for espionage activities. This information was reported by Reuters.
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According to a Department of Justice press release from March 2024, seven hackers linked to the Chinese government were charged with infiltrating U.S. businesses and political entities to steal sensitive information. Former Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said that over 10,000 malicious emails impacted thousands of victims across multiple continents. She said this global hacking operation was backed by the People's Republic of China (PRC) government and targeted journalists, political officials, and companies.
Despite China's 2019 regulation classifying all fentanyl-related substances as controlled substances, it remains a source of precursor chemicals used in fentanyl production. The New York Post reports that these chemicals are legally purchased online from Chinese suppliers before being shipped to Mexico for synthesis by cartels for distribution into the United States.
Jim Risch is a U.S. Senator from Idaho who currently serves as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
