When it comes to matters of so-called national security, Washington’s fixation on implicating China knows no bounds. From baseless accusations of espionage to scrutinizing individuals based on nationality, the pattern of suspicion and scapegoating has been casting a long shadow over bilateral cooperation.
Such an absurd accusation involving the Chinese-made cranes is by no means an isolated case. Just three weeks ago, a U.S. senator Tom Cotton grilled the CEO of TikTok Shou Zi Chew about his nationality, suggesting he has links with China, when he is in fact a Singaporean.
Even more absurd, a Florida senator Rick Scott claimed two months ago that garlic imported from China poses a threat to U.S. national security. He jumped to the conclusion based on the accusation that Chinese garlic is grown using human faeces and sewage as fertilizers.