Summary of "China Must Pay" – The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson (April 29, 2020)
Hosted by Michael Knowles with guest Senator Ted Cruz, this episode delves into the expanding influence of China across various sectors in the United States. The discussion covers legislative efforts to counteract Chinese propaganda, the impact on Hollywood and academic institutions, the vulnerabilities in the U.S. supply chain, and broader geopolitical concerns amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Introduction: Rising Concerns Over China's Influence
Michael Knowles opens the episode by highlighting China's growing prominence in the U.S. economy, Hollywood, media, and academia, especially in the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation quickly pivots to the question of whether North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is alive or dead, reflecting on misinformation and media control.
Legislative Efforts to Curb Chinese Propaganda
Senator Ted Cruz underscores the necessity of reassessing the U.S.'s relationship with China, labeling it as the most significant geopolitical competitor for the next century. He discusses specific legislative measures aimed at limiting Chinese influence, particularly through media channels like Phoenix TV.
Notable Quote:
"I've got legislation to stop the FCC from allowing them to do that." [02:30]
Cruz explains how Phoenix TV, although based in Hong Kong, is controlled by the Chinese Communist government and is broadcasting propaganda into Southern California. He details his efforts to block their FCC license and the ongoing provisional appeal that allows continued broadcasts during the litigation process.
China's Control Over Hollywood
The discussion shifts to Hollywood's financial dependence on China, which forces media companies to self-censor to maintain access to the lucrative Chinese market. Cruz introduces the “Script Act,” which would prevent filmmakers who censor their content for Chinese approval from accessing U.S. military resources.
Notable Quote:
"Top Gun, the sequel to Top Gun...they edited [out] because they didn't want to piss off the Chinese overlord." [05:22]
Cruz criticizes Hollywood's willingness to alter content, citing examples like the removal of Freddie Mercury's sexuality in "Bohemian Rhapsody" and the omission of Taiwanese and Japanese flags in "Top Gun: Maverick" to appease Chinese authorities.
Huawei and U.S. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
Cruz and Nigel Farage discuss the security threats posed by Huawei, the Chinese telecommunications giant. They highlight how allowing Huawei to build 5G infrastructure could enable Chinese government surveillance and intelligence interception, posing a national security risk.
Notable Quote:
"If they're building that hardware, they were giving the Chinese Communist government the ability to intercept communications." [07:21]
Cruz notes the UK's reconsideration of Huawei's involvement in their 5G networks as a positive shift, reflecting a growing awareness of the security implications.
Globalism, Self-Sufficiency, and Economic Dependencies
The pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities stemming from globalism and over-reliance on China for essential goods and pharmaceuticals. Cruz advocates for increased self-sufficiency in critical sectors to mitigate the risks of economic and national security threats posed by China.
Notable Quote:
"Globalism was a means of leaving each nation state unable to stand up for its own interests." [11:01]
He emphasizes how China's strategic control over pharmaceuticals and essential medicines has been weaponized during the pandemic, threatening U.S. access to life-saving drugs.
Chinese Espionage in Academic Institutions
The episode addresses the infiltration of Chinese espionage within U.S. academic institutions, using Harvard University as a primary example. Cruz condemns Harvard for suppressing free speech to avoid offending the Chinese government, highlighting how academic freedom is compromised.
Notable Quote:
"There's a whole lot more canaries in that Chinese coal mine." [19:44]
Cruz references recent articles detailing attempts by Harvard officials to cancel speeches from Chinese dissidents to maintain favorable relations with the Chinese Communist Party, illustrating the broader problem of espionage and self-censorship in academia.
Federalism and COVID-19 Response
In addressing the COVID-19 pandemic response, Cruz advocates for a federalist approach, allowing states to make decisions based on local conditions rather than a one-size-fits-all federal mandate. He criticizes both extreme lockdown advocates and those pushing for immediate reopening without regard to public health data.
Notable Quote:
"The media acting as shills for China... their own propaganda." [26:53]
He underscores the importance of science-based, geographically tailored responses to the pandemic, emphasizing that dense urban areas like New York require different strategies compared to less populated regions.
Media Complicity and Propaganda
Cruz criticizes mainstream media for uncritically disseminating Chinese propaganda, citing a CNN story that portrayed the Chinese military’s handling of COVID-19 as superior to the American military’s response.
Notable Quote:
"That's my detailed refutation of their simply repeating propaganda." [27:26]
Political Implications and Joe Biden
The conversation touches on the U.S. political landscape, specifically the potential vulnerabilities of Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee. Cruz speculates that internal pressures within the Democratic party may lead to Biden being replaced if new allegations persist, suggesting that media and political elites are uneasy about his candidacy.
Notable Quote:
"If your political team is hiding you and trying to avoid anyone hearing what you have to say, it ain't good." [27:53]
Conclusion: Moving Forward and Legislative Actions
Senator Cruz concludes by reaffirming his commitment to countering Chinese influence through legislative measures, highlighting the need for accountability within the Chinese Communist government regarding censorship and public health failures during the pandemic.
Notable Quote:
"The legislation I introduced would sanction every official in the Communist government involved in censoring that public health information." [22:18]
He emphasizes that reducing dependency on China is crucial for national security, economic stability, and public health integrity.
Final Thoughts
This episode underscores the multifaceted approach needed to address China’s growing influence in the U.S., encompassing legislative actions, economic reforms, and strengthening alliances. Senator Cruz’s insights highlight the urgency of re-evaluating and restructuring U.S. policies to safeguard national interests against a formidable geopolitical competitor.