"Some US Companies Side with China Chasing Profits," US Attorney General Criticizes Harshly

Defending Trump Amid US-China Hegemony Competition... No Specific Companies Mentioned

▲William Barr, former U.S. Attorney General [Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] William Barr, the US Attorney General, publicly criticized some American companies as "the biggest obstacle" in the US-China hegemony competition. He pointed out that some companies are pursuing immediate profits at the expense of national interests amid the US-China rivalry.

On the 21st (local time), Barr stated in an interview with Fox News' 'Sunday Morning Futures' that "some American companies prioritize their own interests over national interests, thereby helping China gain an advantage in the US-China competition."

Although he did not mention specific companies, he raised the level of criticism by saying, "They may sacrifice the company's long-term survival ability for immediate profits," and "That is why they are easily swayed by stock options and golf club memberships, which is 'ingratitude'."

Bloomberg News evaluated Barr's remarks as defending President Donald Trump's stance amid the Trump administration's efforts to counter China's ambition to lead global hegemony, including 5G technology. Barr harshly criticized, "Some companies neither plan for long-term growth nor have a national perspective to maintain US hegemony."

Barr also mentioned ways to reduce China's influence in the US and worldwide alongside the Trump administration's slogan of 'America First.' Barr explained, "We will 'strictly crack down' on Chinese researchers dispatched to access our core technologies," and "There is also a way to urge allies such as Europe to select Finland's Nokia and Sweden's Ericsson as 5G platform providers instead of Huawei."

Barr is regarded as a close confidant of President Trump. He has also argued that the US government should acquire controlling shares in Ericsson and Nokia to counter China's Huawei ambitions.

Barr appealed to the patriotism of American companies by referring to the unity of the German people, including companies, during World War II. He emphasized, "During World War II, the entire nation, including businesspeople, fought against Nazi Germany, which is why we do not speak German today," and "All our privileges, benefits, stability, order, and corporate profits come from the nation's strength." He added, "Companies may be forgetting their obligation to be loyal to America."

Local US media analyzed that securing technological hegemony has become a major issue for the Trump administration to the extent that even the Department of Justice, which should maintain distance from the administration, is stepping in to support it. Previously, when Qualcomm, a domestic company possessing 5G technology, was undergoing appeals with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Trump administration openly defended Qualcomm. This suggests that companies may be granted immunity if it serves national interests.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.