Patricia Zengerle and Michael Martina

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – President Joe Biden’s nomination to the U.S. Ambassador to China was tough at Wednesday’s Senate confirmation hearing. He said that China must end its “genocide” and abuses in Tibet. Also, that Taiwanese bullying should stop.

Burns called China America’s “most dangerous rival” and said Beijing was “blasting past its promise to keep a minimal nuclear deterrent.” Washington also needs to work with European and other allies to increase economic leverage.

The U.S. government and human rights activists have called China’s treatment Uyghur Muslims within its Xinjiang area “genocide,” a description that China denies.

Burns used the term People’s Republic of China to describe the PRC’s “genocide” in Xinjiang and other abuses in Tibet.

Burns, 65-year-old Burns is a career diplomat who was also an ambassador to NATO. He said Washington has the right to maintain its current policy of “One China” on Taiwan but had to be careful about Beijing’s attempts to change it.

Some Democrats and some lawmakers have asked Washington for a review of the decades-old policy. This does not include a position regarding Taiwan’s sovereignty.

Burns claimed that China is a growing threat to Taiwan. However, he believed maintaining the One China Policy was the most smart and effective strategy to prevent China from exercising its power over Taiwan.

Burns said that this policy can be successful if executed consistently and well. He also stated to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that it was important for America’s military strength in the Indo-Pacific.

He said that Congress and the executive had every right “expanding our arms provisions for Taiwan.”

Burns should easily be confirmed, and both sides will give him praise. The top Republican on the committee, Senator Jim Risch said that it was appropriate for Ambassador Burns to be appointed.

Burns spoke out about his opinion that China remains isolated globally.

The Chinese have been so assertive, it has caused a lot opposition. Burns stated that we should not exaggerate the US’ strengths or undervalue its strengths.

He stated that Beijing has been “stonewalling” the rest of the world over the origins the coronavirus.

We need to do more research. Burns stated that while we don’t know the exact origin of the virus, many theories exist and China must answer these questions.

China’s Embassy in Washington has not responded to our request for comment regarding Burns’ comments.

Real Leverage

Burns stated that the U.S. would compete with China on economic and technological merits, rather than military capability, unlike in the Cold War.

He said that it was correct for the United States to keep Beijing bound to its “phase 1” trade agreements commitments. And he urged Congress not to delay China-related legislation meant to finance U.S. national competitiveness within critical sectors like semiconductors.

“It might be the most important thing you can do — it is to invest our technological future. As the Senate does with your strategic innovations bill which was strongly supported by the Administration, this is a great way. Burns agreed.

He said that China would be able to benefit from a partnership with Japan and the European Union on issues economic.

When he was asked about February’s Winter Olympics in Beijing, he did not address specific calls to boycott the games because of human rights concerns.

He said that the Olympics would be one of the most unusual events ever because China has COVID limitations. This was likely due to the fact that very few foreign viewers were anticipated.

Burns explained that they want American athletes to be able “to speak their minds and have access to media to express themselves,” Burns added. And I trust and hope that the International Olympic Committee makes that possible.