Tough on Russia Also Means Tough on China
As anticipated, today’s HFSC hearing with Secretary Yellen largely focused on ways to sanction the Russian Federation and its allies and associates. However, Secretary Yellen made it clear that, were China to mount a similar action against Taiwan, the U.S. would take like-kind action against China, noting that actions against Russia demonstrate U.S. willingness to use its economic power to geopolitical ends. Members on both sides of the aisle supported this position, although Republicans pressed not only for more sanctions against Russia, but also more certainty that China would be punished.