In a recent segment on Fox Business’s “Mornings with Maria,” host Maria Bartiromo and Jonathan D.T. Ward, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and founder of the Atlas Organization, discussed the growing concerns over China’s military ambitions and its strengthening alliance with Russia. Bartiromo opened the discussion by highlighting Governor Tim Walz’s connections to China, questioning how his views might influence future US policies if he were to hold a prominent role in the administration.
A Potential Shift in US-China Relations
Jonathan D.T. Ward emphasized that the current dynamics between the US and China are unlikely to change significantly due to any vice-presidential pick. Ward argued that the focus should be on understanding China’s long-term strategies, which include expanding its economic and military influence globally. He noted that China is actively preparing for potential conflict in the Pacific, citing its efforts to buy ports in Africa and increase military readiness as evidence of its broader ambitions.
The Challenge of Addressing China’s Strategies
Ward pointed out that having a background in China, such as Governor Walz’s experience living and working there, does not necessarily equate to a deep understanding of the national security challenges posed by China. He highlighted that the Biden administration’s policies have not effectively deterred China from engaging in activities that threaten US interests, including espionage, intellectual property theft, and a growing military presence.
The Russia-China Alliance
Bartiromo shifted the conversation to the evolving alliance between China and Russia. She referenced former President Trump’s criticism of the Biden administration for allowing these two adversaries to strengthen their ties. Ward concurred, describing Russia and China as “combined adversaries” and warning that their partnership poses a significant threat to US interests. He explained that this alliance has been building for over a decade and is rooted in mutual goals to challenge US dominance.
Implications for US Security
Ward stressed that the US must treat China and Russia as adversaries and take decisive action to counter their growing influence. He argued for the implementation of stronger economic sanctions and increased military spending to deter their aggressive behaviors. Ward suggested targeting Chinese companies and banks supporting Russia’s military efforts as a strategic move to weaken their alliance.
Preventing a Potential Conflict
While the prospect of war looms, Ward believes there is still an opportunity to prevent conflict through strategic actions. He advocated for a significant military buildup in the Pacific region and closer coordination with US allies to create a formidable deterrent. Ward emphasized the need for urgency, warning that continued economic and military weakness could lead to severe consequences for the US.
Historical Context of the Alliance
Ward provided historical context, noting that while China and Russia have had a complex relationship involving periods of both hostility and cooperation, they have consistently been united in their opposition to the United States. This longstanding rivalry, he argued, underscores the importance of understanding their strategic objectives and responding accordingly.
The Path Forward
Ward concluded that the US must act with extreme urgency to address the challenges posed by China and Russia. He called for a comprehensive approach that includes economic sanctions, military readiness, and strategic alliances to counter the threats these nations pose. Bartiromo acknowledged Ward’s insights, praising his work on the subject and urging viewers to stay informed about these critical issues.
“No Winner”
People in the comments shared their thoughts: “So this Tim Walz was a high-ranking soldier in our military and spent so much time in China and praising China. Nobody finds that a little sus.”
Another person added: “He has deep roots with China. I think people should know that.”
One commenter said: “A war between any of these three powers will have no winner.”
The Importance of Vigilance
As tensions continue to rise on the global stage, it is crucial for the US to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the threats posed by adversarial nations. The discussion between Bartiromo and Ward serves as a reminder of the complexities of international relations and the need for strategic foresight in safeguarding national security.
International Alliances
What do you think? What measures can the US take to strengthen its military presence in the Pacific and deter potential conflicts with China and Russia? How can international alliances be leveraged to address the growing threats posed by China and Russia? What role should economic sanctions play in countering the influence of adversarial nations?
See the full video on Fox Business’ YouTube channel for more details here.
