WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement after voting to establish the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.

“China is undoubtedly our greatest competitor, and the United States must balance strategic competition and careful cooperation to advance our economic interests and tackle global security challenges. From climate change and public health, to the rise of authoritarianism and China’s aggression towards Taiwan, strategic competition with the Chinese Communist Party cuts across multiple issue areas and committee jurisdictions in the House. The Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party has the potential to serve as a forum for policy debates and new ideas to address these cross-cutting issues. I believe that House Democrats’ participation on the Select Committee is the best way to make it as productive and useful as possible, and for that reason I voted today for its establishment. However, the chaos of last week’s Speaker’s race showed us the stranglehold that extremist Republicans have on the House majority, and I want to be very clear that this Committee should not be used as a platform for hateful or violent xenophobia or racism. The rise of anti-Asian hate over the past few years is directly correlated with this form of bigotry, and Democrats in Congress will be working diligently to ensure the Committee is not being used as a place to promote this vitriol. The United States can have a relationship with China that enables a more peaceful and prosperous world and a strong and thriving American economy. This Select Committee has the ability to add to Congress’ examination of challenges related to China if it remains bipartisan and focused on its mandate.”

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