The Biden administration’s decision to revive a failed policy of engagement with China has been criticized by Rep. Mike Gallagher. He believes that this approach undermines efforts to compete with China and is counterproductive and dangerous. Gallagher made these remarks in response to Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s upcoming visit to China, which will be the highest-ranking visit by a Biden official. The meeting was previously postponed due to tensions between the US and China. Gallagher argues that the timing of Blinken’s trip is wrong, citing recent revelations about Chinese investment in Cuba’s spying operations. He believes that the US should focus on defensive actions such as imposing sanctions on Chinese officials and tightening export licenses for blacklisted Chinese telecom firm Huawei. Gallagher also highlights China’s refusal to engage in military exchanges with the US and its aggressive actions, such as sending a warship near Taiwan. He criticizes the State Department’s decision to hold discussions with Chinese officials, which coincided with the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre. Despite the State Department’s tempered expectations, Gallagher and Rep. Andy Barr believe that the US should project strength and not reward bad behavior from China. Sen. Bob Menendez is supportive of Blinken’s trip and hopes for communication on defense matters and tackling fentanyl trafficking. Gallagher supports the idea of a crisis communication channel but believes that the Chinese Communist Party is unwilling to engage. Instead, he suggests enhancing military deterrence, reducing dependence on China, and strengthening alliances to counter Chinese aggression.