In an article published by The National Interest, Hawley says the United States should not expand its security commitments to Europe because of a more pressing threat from China.
“Finland and Sweden want to join the Atlantic Alliance to prevent further Russian aggression in Europe. This is completely understandable given their location and security needs,” Hawley wrote. “But America’s greatest foreign adversary does not seem above Europe. Seen in Asia. I am of course talking about the People’s Republic of China. And when it comes to Chinese imperialism, the American people must know the truth: the United States is not ready to stand up to it. Expanding American security commitments to Europe now would only make this problem worse – and America less safe.” Finland and Sweden announced in May their intentions to join NATO following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The governments of 19 NATO countries have since ratified the two Nordic nations joining the alliance. Eleven, including the United States, have not yet done so. All 30 member states must approve the additions.
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (DN.Y.) wants senators to vote on expanding the alliance before lawmakers leave Washington, D.C., for a monthlong recess starting Aug. 8.
Finland’s and Sweden’s requests have received broad support from both Democrats and Republicans. But Hawley — who was one of 11 conservatives who opposed the $40 billion aid package for Ukraine passed by Congress in May — insists the United States is unwilling to go against both Moscow and Beijing.
“As the US National Defense Strategies for 2018 and 2022 both recognize, the United States cannot defeat China and Russia in two major wars simultaneously. And we are not where we need to be in Asia,” Hawley wrote.
Citing distractions from “nation-building activities in the Middle East and legacy commitments in Europe,” Hawley says the U.S. is not ready to repel a Chinese military attack in the Pacific if it occurs. “Faced with this dark reality, we have to choose. We need to do less in Europe (and elsewhere) to prioritize China and Asia.” Moody’s: Schumer-Manchin deal will ‘boost’ economy, inflation ‘in right direction’ UN welcomes first grain shipment from Ukraine’s agricultural corridor While Hawley says the US government should not abandon NATO, he suggests that European allies could take more responsibility for Europe’s defense by investing more in their own militaries.
Hawley’s stance contrasts with that of the majority of his fellow Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who said last week that the United States “would be lucky to have two young allies as impressive and capable as Finland and Sweden.” Eighteen House Republicans last month voted against a token resolution supporting Finland and Sweden joining NATO.