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Larsen Calls for China Strategy to Increase U.S. Competitiveness, Enhance U.S. Leadership

Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) released an updated China White Paper outlining a comprehensive China strategy to boost U.S. competitiveness and enhance American global leadership.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) released an updated China White Paper outlining a comprehensive China strategy to boost U.S. competitiveness and enhance American global leadership.

“Congress and the Biden administration must think more broadly about its ‘China agenda.’ Instead of thinking defensively, the U.S. needs to have a proactive agenda that increases U.S. competitiveness,” said Larsen, co-founder and co-chair of the U.S.-China Working Group (USCWG). “The advantage of my strategy, with a larger focus on skills, education, and multilateral relationships, is it enhances U.S. competitiveness, not just vis-à-vis China, but worldwide.”

In his China White Paper, Larsen outlines out a four-point framework oriented around:

·       Recognizing existing areas of conflict and competition;

·       Expanding the playbook to include both offensive and defensive measures to compete with China;

·       Identifying areas where bilateral cooperation is in both nations’ interest; and

·       Getting our own house in order.

The updated white paper builds on Larsen’s December 2019 edition, including new priorities and recommendations while retaining the framework of the original White Paper.– The original report is available here.

In 2005, Larsen co-founded the U.S.-China Working Group with then-Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL) to build diplomatic relations with China and educate Members of Congress through meetings and briefings with business, academic and political leaders from the U.S. and China. Today, Larsen co-chairs the USCWG with Rep. Darin LaHood (IL-18). The White Paper represents Larsen’s views only - not those of the USCWG or its members. It is the product of Larsen’s review of a variety of scholarship on China and extensive conversations with leaders in academia, think tanks, labor, government, international relations and industry.

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