America at Night Host talks about threat of Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Expert
Rich Valdes welcomed national security expert Frank Gaffney to America at Night for an in-depth discussion on the growing danger posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Gaffney, a longtime analyst of foreign policy and defense issues, emphasized that China’s challenge to the United States goes far beyond trade disputes or regional tensions. He argued that the CCP represents a systemic, existential threat to the American way of life, one that is increasingly visible across multiple domains—military, economic, technological, and ideological.
Valdes with an “S”
Gaffney explained that the CCP has been carefully executing a long-term strategy to displace the United States as the world’s leading power. He pointed to the writings of Chinese military theorists who advocate “unrestricted warfare”—a concept that involves leveraging non-military means, such as cyber operations, propaganda, financial manipulation, and intellectual property theft, to weaken adversaries. According to Gaffney, this strategy has been unfolding in real time, and the United States has been slow to respond, in part because of deep economic entanglement with China.
One of the central themes of the conversation was how China has exploited American openness. Gaffney noted that U.S. corporations and political elites have often prioritized profits over security, enabling Beijing to gain access to markets, technology, and even political influence. He described what he called “elite capture,” the CCP’s practice of co-opting leaders in business, academia, and government by offering financial incentives or leveraging economic dependency. This, he argued, has blunted America’s willingness to confront China’s abuses, from human rights violations to aggressive territorial expansion.
Gaffney also drew attention to the CCP’s military buildup, particularly its expansion of naval power and missile capabilities. He stressed that Beijing is preparing for the possibility of a military confrontation, especially over Taiwan. The island, he said, represents both a symbolic and strategic prize for the CCP. If Taiwan were absorbed by China, it would not only cement Beijing’s dominance in the Indo-Pacific but also signal the decline of American influence in the region. Gaffney warned that such an outcome could trigger a broader unraveling of alliances and confidence in U.S. leadership.
Beyond conventional warfare, Gaffney highlighted how China is waging battles on less visible fronts. Cyberattacks, surveillance, and espionage are constant tools in the CCP’s arsenal, targeting U.S. infrastructure, research institutions, and private companies. He described this as a form of “digital colonization,” where America’s technological advantage is systematically undermined. Gaffney also noted the CCP’s use of influence operations, from controlling narratives in Western media to embedding propaganda in cultural exchanges and academic partnerships.
Valdes pressed Gaffney on what steps America should take to push back. Gaffney’s prescription was straightforward but demanding: decouple from China wherever possible. He argued that American companies should stop relying on Chinese supply chains, particularly in critical sectors such as pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and defense-related materials. He also called for stronger government action to restrict Chinese investments in sensitive industries and land purchases near military installations.
Equally important, Gaffney insisted, is the need for ideological clarity. He criticized U.S. leaders who downplay the CCP’s threat, framing China merely as a competitor rather than an adversary. For Gaffney, this mischaracterization obscures the true nature of the challenge: the CCP is not simply seeking economic advantage but is committed to reshaping the global order in ways that are fundamentally hostile to liberty and democracy. He argued that Americans must recognize the ideological dimension of this struggle and confront it with the same seriousness that guided the Cold War against the Soviet Union.
Valdes and Gaffney also discussed the domestic implications of China’s influence. From fentanyl trafficking—much of which originates with Chinese suppliers—to the infiltration of Chinese-made technology in U.S. communications infrastructure, the CCP’s reach is felt directly by American citizens. Gaffney emphasized that this is not an abstract foreign policy issue but one that touches public health, community safety, and everyday economic stability.
In closing, Gaffney urged listeners to stay informed and demand action from policymakers. He warned that time is not on America’s side, as China’s ambitions are accelerating. However, he expressed cautious optimism that with clear-eyed leadership and a mobilized citizenry, the United States can still counter the CCP’s advance. Valdes agreed, noting that awareness is the first step toward effective resistance, and conversations like this one are critical in breaking through the complacency that has allowed China’s influence to grow unchecked.
