‘This report is literally the opposite of adults being back in charge,’ Ted Cruz says
Xi Jinping (Feng Li/Getty Images)
The State Department has come under fire for outsourcing the creation of a crucial report on the threat posed by Communist China to a group of undergraduate college students. This move has raised concerns that the Biden administration is not taking the issue seriously.
As part of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the State Department was tasked with producing a report on the Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to censor and intimidate Americans. This issue has garnered bipartisan attention in Congress, as China’s government orchestrates propaganda campaigns within the United States and works to silence its critics.
The final report, which was not made public, was authored by six undergraduate students from James Madison University. A cover letter accompanying the report clarifies that it does not represent the views of the Executive Branch.
Upon learning that the report was written by college students, one lawmaker expressed surprise and criticized the Biden administration for not taking China’s malign activities seriously. Senator Ted Cruz, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, stated, “No doubt these students are talented, but this report is literally the opposite of adults being back in charge.”
Cruz emphasized the national security risk posed by China’s propaganda and censorship efforts, which aim to control what Americans see, hear, and think.
The State Department confirmed that the report was outsourced to James Madison University and that U.S. officials did not have any involvement in its creation or provide guidance.
Congress mandated that the secretary of state collaborate with an independent research entity to write the report on censorship and intimidation in the United States. However, lawmakers did not anticipate that college students would be responsible for its authorship.
The report highlights the serious threat posed by China’s censorship and intimidation of U.S. citizens and businesses. It provides examples of the Chinese Communist Party’s repressive tactics and includes policy recommendations for Congress.
What are the specific concerns raised about the effectiveness and validity of the report commissioned by the State Department?
Ised concerns about the effectiveness and validity of the report, with critics arguing that it undermines the expertise and authority of experienced professionals in favor of inexperienced individuals.
The report, titled “The Communist Chinese Threat and Its Implications for Global Security,” was commissioned by the State Department as part of its ongoing efforts to assess and address the threats posed by Communist China. However, instead of relying on seasoned experts and analysts within the department, the task was assigned to a group of undergraduate students from various colleges across the country.
This decision by the State Department has drawn significant criticism from lawmakers and experts alike. Senator Ted Cruz, a vocal critic of the Chinese government, expressed his concern, stating, “This report is literally the opposite of adults being back in charge. It is downright irresponsible to entrust such a critical task to a group of inexperienced college students.”
Critics argue that the decision to outsource such an important report reflects a lack of respect for expertise and experience. They argue that the State Department should have tapped into its pool of seasoned professionals who possess the required knowledge and understanding of the complexities surrounding the Chinese government, its policies, and its potential threats.
Experience and expertise are crucial when dealing with complex geopolitical issues such as China’s growing influence and military capabilities. Professionals in relevant fields, including foreign policy, international relations, and intelligence analysis, undergo years of rigorous training and hands-on experience to develop a deep understanding of these issues. Relying on a group of undergraduate students, no matter how intelligent or motivated they may be, cannot replace the depth and breadth of knowledge that comes with professional experience.
Additionally, critics of this decision argue that the report’s credibility may be called into question due to the lack of expertise of its creators. The findings and recommendations presented in the report may not carry the same weight and legitimacy as those produced by experienced professionals. This could undermine the effectiveness of any actions taken in response to the report’s conclusions.
The State Department has defended its decision by stating that it sought diverse perspectives and fresh insights by involving young minds in the report’s creation. However, critics argue that this can be achieved through the inclusion of experts from diverse backgrounds rather than solely relying on inexperienced students.
The outsourcing of this crucial report highlights a concerning trend of disregarding expertise and professional knowledge. It raises questions about the value placed on the experience and qualifications of seasoned professionals within the State Department and the government at large.
Moving forward, it is important for the State Department to reconsider its approach and ensure that reports on critical issues are created by individuals with the necessary expertise and experience. By doing so, the department can maintain its credibility, ensure accurate assessments of threats and challenges, and develop effective strategies to address them.
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