Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat from New Hampshire and Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, addressed concerns about China’s influence during a committee hearing titled “The Malign Influence of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) at Home and Abroad: Recommendations for Policy Makers.” In her opening statement, she highlighted the increasing cooperation between Beijing and Moscow through global disinformation campaigns.
Senator Shaheen criticized the Trump Administration’s stop-work order and foreign aid freeze, stating these actions “undermine American credibility” and create opportunities for countries like China and Russia to fill gaps left by the United States. She expressed concern over how cutting off foreign assistance could hinder efforts to prevent PRC investment in Ukraine and affect U.S. national security.
Witnesses at the hearing included Mr. Peter Mattis, President of The Jamestown Foundation; Mr. Jeffrey Stoff, Founder of the Center for Research Security and Integrity; Dr. Melanie Hart, Senior Director at Global China Hub at the Atlantic Council; and Dr. Jennifer Lind, Associate Professor of Government at Dartmouth College.
Shaheen acknowledged bipartisan concerns regarding China’s activities, noting recent efforts to address issues such as economic coercion against Taiwan and Lithuania and data privacy threats from TikTok.
She pointed out that China is exploiting open societies globally by leveraging investments over decision-makers in Africa and Latin America, attempting to influence politicians in Australia and New Zealand, controlling strategic ports in Sri Lanka and Greece, conducting espionage against American industries, and targeting journalists with harassment.
Highlighting cooperation between Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development and China’s National Radio Administration before Ukraine’s invasion, Shaheen described how disinformation campaigns have been mutually beneficial for both nations.
Despite some progress made by entities like the Foreign Malign Influence Center against election interference attempts by China and Russia, Shaheen lamented Congress’ failure to extend support for initiatives like the Global Engagement Center last year.
Quoting former Ambassador Nick Burns on responding to China’s challenges: “the devil is in the details.” She concluded by emphasizing her desire to hear recommendations on defending democratic values against malign influences from abroad while ensuring benefits reach all Americans.
