Seven things you can't say about China

Tom Cotton says them. And proves them.

The title of Sen. Tom Cotton’s new book is “Seven Things You Can’t Say About China.” It’s an unusual title, but one that’s highly appropriate for a book by Sen. Cotton about China.

You probably remember that, early on in the pandemic, Cotton suggested that the covid virus came from a Chinese lab in Wuhan, not a “wet market,” as China and its apologists claimed. For saying this, for advocating a ban on travel from China into the U.S., and for using the term “Wuhan virus,” Cotton was roundly attacked — not just by China, but the American media and leading Democrat politicians. He was called a conspiracy theorist and a xenophobe, among other names.

It turns out, though, that Cotton’s lab-leak theory is very probably true.

Now, Cotton has more truths to tell about China — seven of them. They are:

1. China is an evil empire.

2. China is preparing for war.

3. China is waging economic world war.

4. China has infiltrated our society.

5. China has infiltrated our government.

6. China is coming for our kids.

7. China could win.

Cotton documents each claim relentlessly, with fact after depressing fact. And he isn’t shy when it comes to naming the names of American companies and individuals who, unwittingly in some cases, have abetted China in its quest for world domination.

He cites companies like Disney, Google, and Microsoft. He cites sports celebrities like Lebron James and Steve Kerr. And he cites politicians from both parties like Asa Hutchinson, Gretchen Whitmer, Richard Daley, Eric Swalwell, and (the worst of all) Gavin Newsom.

Newsom’s case is particularly instructive because it exemplifies what Cotton calls China’s “farm team” strategy. China befriended Newsom when he was mayor of San Francisco, gaining favors in the process. It has reaped even greater rewards now that Newsom has reached the big leagues as governor of California. We all hope that this is the end of the line for Newsom, but who knows.

Swalwell is another example. In his case, though, China also used a female spy who apparently had a romantic relationship with the ambitious young politician.

Cotton’s last chapter shows that “China could win.” Indeed, it will win if it successfully takes Taiwan — a definite possibility, the outcome of our war games indicate.

Cotton explains why a Chinese takeover of Taiwan would set the stage for a long-term victory over the United States. It would weaken our allies in Asia, fray our alliances around the world, inspire anti-American dictators in the third world, gradually cut the U.S. off from East Asia, and undermine the dollar’s status as the world’s reserve currency.

In short, says Cotton, “with Taiwan in hand, the Chinese Communist could gradually but inexorably hollow out American power and curtail our global influence.”

But even an unsuccessful Chinese invasion of Taiwan would be ruinous. It would lead to economic chaos, given Taiwan’s unique role in the global semiconductor industry.

Cotton cites Bloomberg Economics for the proposition that a war in Taiwan would wipe out $10 trillion in wealth, worldwide. The American economy would shrink by much more than it did in the Great Recession of 2008. The inevitable stock-market crash would wipe out the life savings of millions of Americans.

Thus, the only good outcome for the U.S. and the world is for America to deter Chinese aggression against Taiwan. But given the importance of taking Taiwan to China’s self-image and its quest to supplant America, as well as China’s spectacular military build-up, will it be possible to deter the Chinese Communist Party from invading?

In one sense, Seven Things You Can’t Say About China is an easy read at 169 pages. Tom writes in a direct, plainspoken, and jargon-free manner. He sticks to the facts and to the point. The occasional asides are illuminating and sometimes humorous.

However, as should be clear by now, this is not a book for the faint of heart. Tom’s truths are not fun to read. Yet, it is vital that we understand them and that, as he urges in his Epilogue, we spread the word and fight back.

Step One is to read this book.