President Donald Trump’s national security adviser Robert O’Brien accused China of trying to steal research results from the West on the COVID-19 vaccine.
He described China as a malicious rival seeking to monopolize every important industry in the 21st century.
In a 20-minute speech to senior British and American military officials, O’Brien harshly criticized China, claiming it is a predatory power that suppresses its people and seeks to coerce both neighbors and Western powers.
“The CCP is seeking to dominate all spheres and sectors and plans to monopolize all industries of great importance in the 21st century,” O’Brien told the Atlantic Future Forum via video link with the British aircraft carrier Queen Elizabeth.
“More recently, the PRC has used cyber espionage against companies developing vaccines and treatments for COVID in Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States, while simultaneously talking about the need for international cooperation,” O’Brien said.
According to a White House adviser, the West has made concessions to China for decades, including WTO membership, in the belief that it will open up economically and politically while weakening barriers to foreign companies.
“Unfortunately, these promises are still not being fulfilled,” the adviser said. “Instead, the leaders of the CCP have strengthened a totalitarian approach and a state-dominated mercantilist economy.”