We need a comprehensive China strategy.

February 6 – February 10, 2023

Since he came to the Senate, Senator Romney has been clear that China’s quest to become the world’s leading power is one of the central challenges we face in the 21st Century. Amid heightened tensions with China this week, Senator Romney continued to urge the Administration to develop a comprehensive China strategy, introduced legislation to end the unfair advantages China receives on the global stage, and pushed for American independence on critical mineral production. Scroll for more news.

Although the Biden Administration has laid out “principles” for dealing with China, these alone are not enough to address the growing threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party. They must move from ad hoc principles to a comprehensive strategy that guides our approach to dealing with China. At a Foreign Relations Committee hearing, Romney urged the Administration to implement his legislation, which became law last year, requiring the U.S. to develop a comprehensive strategy to counter the China threat.

Full story by Dennis Romboy here.

The Utah National Guard embodies Utah’s core values of patriotism and dedication to service. Senator Romney attended President Biden’s State of the Union address, accompanied by Major General Michael J. Turley, adjutant general of the Utah National Guard. Under the leadership of Major General Turley, the outstanding airmen and soldiers of the Utah National Guard have answered the call of duty to protect Utahns and Americans in times of emergency and responded valiantly to threats around the world.

Later that evening, Senator Romney shared his thoughts on the President’s address:

China has the second largest economy in the world and is on track to surpass the U.S. economically. It’s absurd that, given their defense expenditures and massive amount of outbound and inbound foreign investment, China continues to be treated as a developing nation on the global stage.

Senators Romney and Van Hollen (D-MD) introduced the Ending China’s Developing Nation Status Act, bipartisan legislation to prevent the granting of “developing nation” status to China in future treaties and international organizations. The U.S. should not enter into treaties or international organizations where China is given an unfair advantage, whether it be accommodations or financial assistance, under such false pretenses.

We can't afford for China to be the global leader in producing resources critical to our national security. Senator Romney met with Rio Tinto CEO Jakob Stausholm to discuss Utah’s Kennecott Copper Mine and efforts to get copper designated as a critical mineral, which would bolster our domestic supply chain. Earlier this month, Romney joined a bipartisan effort urging the Administration to add copper to the official critical minerals list.

It’s essential that we strengthen our water and wastewater infrastructure as we seek to mitigate the effects of Utah's drought. Senator Romney met with the Rural Water Association of Utah to discuss their work to provide sustainable and reliable water systems to our rural communities.