Witness tells House panel the U.S. should outcompete China while securing supply chains

An unidentified witness testifying before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs said the administration seeks "a stable, constructive relationship" with China but added bluntly, "we do not trust China." The witness framed that distrust as compatible with pursuing stability and economic measures to protect U.S. interests.

The witness defended the president's tariff policy as a response to what he called a global "China shock," saying much of the world lacks similar tariff regimes. He said China's export surplus "exceeded $1,200,000,000,000 last year," calling the figure a record and arguing it contributes to pressure on foreign producers.

On market effects, the witness said China is "flooding the world with cheap smartphones" and other goods, including telecom equipment and BYD electric vehicles, and said those exports have become a major problem for regions such as Europe and Southeast Asia. He characterized China as "a formidable economic competitor and adversary" and said U.S. policy must both outcompete China and secure critical supply chains so American companies can "build and lead the world in technology."

Asked whether any sector China would willingly concede to the United States, the witness said China has publicly signaled an intent to climb the value chain and "to try to overtake us," and that he could not think of an industry in which China does not engage in some form of price suppression or depreciation. The witness also cited past forecasts that predicted China would overtake the U.S. economy and said, in his view, the United States nevertheless remains the world's largest economy and retains a strong corporate market cap presence.

In brief closing remarks the witness praised U.S. ingenuity, asserted that China's recent weapons developments and advances in artificial intelligence contributed to urgency, and said China is "obviously stealing our technology," language he used to describe the perceived threat. He summarized a three‑part policy approach: win the artificial‑intelligence and broader technology race; deepen diplomatic and commercial partnerships (the transcript lists an initiative spelled 'Paxilica' with "11 signatories"); and employ tools ranging from sanctions to targeted diplomacy. The witness also referenced a "chip concierge service" and said, as he put it, recent investment commitments included "$250,000,000,000 in investment from Taiwan." The witness framed the combination of tools as necessary to exert pressure when appropriate and to partner with Congress on objectives.

The committee member who initiated questioning concluded the hearing after the witness's closing remarks. The witness said, "That's all I have," and the exchange ended.