Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton delivered a sharp critique on Fox News Monday, arguing that China has been engaged in an “economic World War” against the United States for decades.
His remarks come as former President Donald Trump advocates for renewed peace talks between Ukraine and Russia while hinting at potential meetings with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin. Cotton’s comments highlight growing conservative concerns about China’s expanding global influence.
Speaking ahead of the release of his new book, Seven Things You Can’t Say About China, Cotton stated, “China has been waging an economic World War against us for decades.” He explained that Beijing employs strategies such as subsidizing domestic companies, flooding American markets with cheap goods, and engaging in cyber espionage and forced technology transfers to dominate key industries worldwide.
“The ill-gotten gains from these tactics are not just numbers on a balance sheet,” Cotton said. “They’re funding the most rapid military buildup in history—a buildup clearly aimed against America.” He warned that China’s goal is not a multipolar world but global dominance, compelling other nations to “dance to China’s tune.”
Cotton’s remarks contribute to the broader debate over U.S. foreign policy. Trump, who recently expressed interest in meeting with both Xi and Putin while pushing for Ukraine-Russia peace talks, has long advocated for a tougher stance on China. In response, China’s Foreign Ministry has stated that Beijing aims to be a “stabilizing factor” in a changing world.
Discussing key points from his book, Cotton stressed that China’s actions are “worse and more dangerous than many Americans realize.” He urged citizens to educate their families, particularly their children, about the potential threats posed by Chinese economic policies to national security.
Cotton also addressed concerns over Chinese-owned apps like TikTok. “TikTok isn’t just another social media platform—it’s controlled by the Chinese government,” he asserted. “It’s part of a broader strategy to infiltrate our society and influence our youth, and that’s why it’s critical to have open discussions about these threats.”
When asked about the possibility of a deal over TikTok, Cotton was doubtful. “The law requires TikTok’s parent company to sever ties with the Chinese government entirely,” he said, emphasizing that national security must remain a priority.
“It’s a wake-up call,” he concluded. “Normal Americans need to understand that China isn’t playing by the rules—China is reshaping the global order to its own advantage, and we need to be prepared.”
