On January 27, Peter Jennings, executive director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, participated in a hearing held by the U.S.-China Economic and Security Assessment Commission (USCC), an agency of the U.S. Congress, by video teleconference. (USCC video screenshot)
On January 27, Peter Jennings, Executive Director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, participated by remote video in a hearing before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Assessment Commission (USCC), an agency of the U.S. Congress.
In his written testimony, Jennings made six major recommendations to the USCC to address threats to democracies and regions from the Chinese Communist Party
- Promote democratic alliances to counter the harmful influence of the CCP
Jennings said, “It is critical to understand that the CCP poses a significant threat to democratic systems and the international rule of law.
“Beijing is working to divide democratic systems from each other.
“I believe that the Commission can play an international role and share information by working more closely with like-minded democratic legislatures, including the Australian Parliament, to emphasize the need to work together to address this global threat.
“The Commission could consider establishing a mechanism for the legislatures of the Five Eyes Coalition countries to engage in regular dialogue with the Chinese Communist Party.”
- work with democratic legislatures to develop a common research plan
Jennings suggested that the USCC engage with a capable counterpart democratic legislature, saying, “The Australian Parliament may agree to establish direct reciprocity with the Commission to work on shared interests, exchange personnel, create shared educational resources, and provide a focused outline for congressional and parliamentary visits and meetings.”
- study CCP activities in Southeast Asia as an emerging key region for strategic competition
Southeast Asia is emerging as one of the most critical regions in the U.S.-China competition for global influence,” Jennings said.
“It is recommended that the Commission make it a particular focus over the next two years; deepen its understanding of Beijing’s intentions in the region; and determine how the United States can engage Southeast Asia and how like-minded democracy partners and Washington can work together to strengthen our strategic position.”
- work together to assist Pacific island nations in resisting the Chinese Communist Party
Jennings suggested working with Australia to develop a plan to assist vulnerable Pacific Island Countries (PICs) to resist pressure from the Chinese Communist Party.
- Help those in power understand the risks of the CCP
Jennings suggested providing a toolkit for elected politicians to help them understand the risks posed by the CCP everywhere.
All democracies, he said, “need to explain to our citizens the challenges we face in dealing with an increasingly aggressive CCP.”
6.Helping Taiwan is critical to regional security and U.S. credibility as a security partner
Jennings said it would not be surprising if Beijing triggers a cross-Strait crisis in 2021.
He said, “It is clear that Taiwan faces greater pressure from the Chinese Communist Party in 2021 and beyond.”
Recent Comments