A uniquely strong tradition of individual liberty — instantiated in everything from free speech to free association — has always been America’s greatest strength. But in conflict with an authoritarian country, liberty also presents a significant surface area for attack. For example, in the case of risk from China, our relatively free market has enabled a hostile, authoritarian foreign power to set about literally purchasing vital American industry and resources.

I’m not yet prepared to sacrifice our freedoms conceptually, and I don’t agree every single act of business with China should be considered suspiciously, let alone prohibited. But I do think there’s value in stepping back, and taking in the degree to which the CCP has set to dominating our country one purchase at a time.

Matthew Foldi guests for Pirate Wires with the birds-eye view.