A New Challenge to Relations Between America and China

Rob Kelner's commentary was included in an article in The Economist about the Republican-led new congressional committee that will investigate many of the most divisive areas of China-America relations.

Although the committee has no formal power to stop such initiatives, The Economist states its hearings will no doubt inflame public opinion and could make it harder for President Biden to manage China relations. However, the article explains, there are pitfalls for Republicans, too, including the possibility that their committee members become too critical of the Biden administration.

Congressional committees derive credibility less from formal powers than from media interest, which can quickly wane if they descend into partisan bickering, Rob explained. “If the media loses interest in a congressional investigation, that investigation is going to come to an end,” he said.

Click here to read the full article.