Staff Reports
President Biden signed a foreign aid package this week, but some experts are concerned about the message it sends to Communist China. A national security analyst from The Heritage Foundation, Victoria Coates, believes that the aid package does not work to deter China, but instead emboldens them. Coates argues that the $95 billion package does not align with American interests and only strengthens China’s position as a global power.
Coates expressed concern that China will view the aid package as a victory for their goals to become the world’s dominant power. She specifically highlighted the $60 billion allotted for Ukraine, stating that it burdens U.S. taxpayers with more debt and gives China an advantage. Coates also raised concerns about the aid to Israel and Palestinians, suggesting that it puts the U.S. at risk of funding terrorists and sends a message that the U.S. is trying to please both sides.
Foreign aid package ‘emboldens’ China, Heritage Foundation expert sayshttps://t.co/3ttIjy7CVN pic.twitter.com/LyiIdcswJu
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) April 25, 2024
Furthermore, Coates criticized the allocation of funds for the Indo-Pacific region, arguing that it indicates a lack of prioritization in countering Communist China. She also highlighted the absence of funding for the southern border, pointing to an increase in illegal military-age Chinese males attempting to enter the U.S. Coates is particularly troubled by the lack of attention to this issue in the aid package.
President Biden, on the other hand, expressed support for the aid package, referring to it as an investment in national security and alliance strength. He also pledged to work on passing a border bill through Congress. However, the concerns raised by Coates and other conservative voices cast doubt on the effectiveness and message of the foreign aid package in relation to U.S.-China relations.
