FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Caroline Tabler or James Arnold (202) 224-2353

May 29, 2020

 

Cotton Statement on the President’s Actions Against Chinese Aggression

 

Washington, D.C.  Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) released the statement below after the president’s announcement of several actions against Chinese Communist aggression, including denying visas to Chinese students affiliated with the People’s Liberation Army, withdrawing from the World Health Organization, removing special privileges afforded to Hong Kong that had enriched the Chinese Communist Party, and protecting American investors from lawless Chinese companies.

 

Senator Cotton has long advocated for visa restrictions, withdrawing from the WHO, and protecting American investors from rule-breaking Chinese firms.   

 

“I applaud the administration for its vigilance against the Chinese Communist threat. In particular, I’m pleased the administration will be adopting policies similar to my PLA Visa Security Act. America’s soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines shouldn’t have to face Chinese weapons systems designed by individuals trained in the United States, incorporating technology stolen from the U.S. military. I look forward to working with the administration to implement further measures to combat the Chinese Communist Party’s aggression.”

 

 

Background:

 

·      Last year, Senator Cotton introduced legislation that would prohibit individuals employed or sponsored by Chinese military institutions from receiving student or research visas to the United States.

·      This week, Cotton also introduced new legislation banning PRC nationals from studying in STEM fields at the graduate level.

·      Cotton earlier this year called for the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization.

·      Cotton also introduced legislation last year banning rule-breaking Chinese firms from U.S. stock exchanges, and cosponsored a similar measure which passed the Senate earlier this month.

 

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