Trending
The Communist Party of China (CCP) wants to unseat the United States as the number one global power. For decades, the CCP has stolen American trade secrets, used our data against our own citizens, and artificially unbalanced trade in their favor. Chinese Communist leaders understand by accomplishing this feat, they gain significant leverage to push their policies and influence on countries around the world. Therefore, it is crucial for America to take a stand. I applaud President Donald Trump's efforts to hold China accountable and rebalance unfair trade agreements that put our country at a clear disadvantage.
We at the state level must follow President Trump's lead and protect our citizens. Without action, the CCP will continue working against American interests with little to no resistance. Only a united front can stop the Chinese government from gaining complete control of public, private, and personal interests.
Here at the West Virginia State Treasury, we continue to put American and West Virginia interests first by standing against malign influences from the CCP. My predecessor, now
Congressman Riley Moore, took the first step by banning TikTok and WeChat on government issued devices. This was an easy decision as evidence shows that the CCP utilizes these popular apps to farm data on U.S. citizens. Many states and our federal government have taken similar actions.
Since taking office in January, we have taken additional steps to protect West Virginia data by banning the use of Chinese artificial intelligence (AI), such as DeepSeek, as well as AliPay, a Chinese-based wallet system, on all Treasury devices. Additionally, one of my first actions as Chairman of the Board of Treasury Investments (BTI), was approving a Prohibited Foreign Investments Policy during its quarterly meeting in March. The policy prevents direct investments from companies affiliated with the government of the People's Republic of China, the CCP, the Chinese military, or any instrumentality or combination of these entities. This policy protects your hard earned, taxpayer dollars.
Governor Patrick Morrisey followed our lead by proposing a similar policy for the Investment Management Board (IMB), ensuring the state's long term-investments, including your state pensions, do not finance the People's Republic of China. The State of West Virginia took a stand against the CCP by ensuring American dollars do not support a government that is only interested in undermining our way of life.
Our impact has not stopped at the West Virginia border. I joined my colleagues from around the country asking SEC Chairman Paul Atkins to investigate delisting China-based issuers from U.S. exchanges. Doing so will further protect American investors and hold these companies accountable for thwarting our rules and regulations. If the CCP and their military continue working against our interests and play by their own rules, there is no reason for our country to fund it.
It is clear the CCP will exploit any means, including their own businesses and citizens, to accomplish their goals. If we stand strong against the Chinese Communist government, we can deliver real, lasting benefits to American workers, citizens, and businesses in West Virginia and beyond. Just like President Trump, we must do everything in our power to put American citizens and businesses first by supporting the President's efforts to secure a trade deal with China. It also means ensuring we protect the data and speech of our citizens, eliminate the ability of Chinese agents to steal trade secrets vital to maintaining America's economic dominance, and stop financing a country that inherently opposes our way of life. Such action is not political showmanship, but sensible strategy that protects the interests of our citizens. Every step of the way, we must put America first.
(Pack is the state treasurer of West Virginia)