Ron DeSantis Says Xi Jinping's China 'Top Threat' To US: 'They Have Built Up Their Military'

On Monday, Florida’s Republican Governor Ron DeSantis expressed his concerns about China’s growing influence, describing the nation as a “top threat to this country” during an interview on CNBC’s “Last Call” with Brian Sullivan.

What Happened: In his discussion with Sullivan, DeSantis emphasized the economic and military implications of China’s rise. He pointed out that the U.S. has been a significant source of wealth for China and raised concerns about how China has utilized this wealth to bolster its military capabilities.

DeSantis stated, “The U.S. has been the #1 source of Chinese wealth. And what have they done with that wealth? They have built up their military.” He further added, “They are the top threat to this country.”

DeSantis also highlighted the need for the U.S. to shift its defense focus from Europe to the Indo-Pacific region, given the increasing significance of the China threat. He advocated for a naval buildup, drawing a comparison to the Reagan era when the U.S. Navy had almost 600 ships, reported CNBC.

See Also: Nikki Haley Says Xi Jinping Is A Very Bad Guy: Some Things Aren’t Complicated

Why It Matters: DeSantis’s comments come amidst a backdrop of increasing tensions between the U.S. and China.

His sentiments echo those of other prominent figures, such as Nikki Haley, who previously urged American companies to view China not just as an economic competitor but as a national security threat.

Haley’s comments and Donald Trump’s stance on China have highlighted how the East Asian country has emerged as a top foreign policy issue in the upcoming 2024 presidential elections.

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