Utah Valley Times

On March 14, 2024, during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Mitt Romney criticized the Administration for failing to deliver a comprehensive strategy to counter the China threat. Senator Romney raised concerns about China's strategic plan to establish global leadership and highlighted various aspects where China dominates key industries and technologies.

Senator Romney expressed frustration over the delay in providing the required China strategy, stating, "I thought that when we passed a law and required the State Department to do something, that they would do it." He emphasized the importance of having a coherent plan to effectively challenge China's growing influence.

In response to Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink's assertion that the Administration has a strategy in place, Senator Romney retorted, "Three words does not make a strategy." He emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to address the multifaceted challenges posed by China's strategic ambitions.

Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink assured Senator Romney of his commitment to providing the required report and defended the Administration's strategy, highlighting investments in domestic strengths and alliances as part of the approach to compete with China.

The exchange between Senator Romney and Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink underscored the ongoing debate over the effectiveness of the U.S. strategy towards China and the urgent need for a cohesive plan to address the evolving geopolitical landscape.