Scott Morrison to Appear Before U.S. House Panel on China’s Economic Pressure

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Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison is set to testify before the U.S. House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party next week, offering a detailed account of Beijing’s economic coercion strategies against democratic nations. His appearance reflects growing alignment between American lawmakers and allied leaders seeking to counter China’s use of trade as a geopolitical weapon.

Morrison will appear alongside former U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel during the session, which will examine how China has imposed punitive tariffs and import restrictions on nations that challenge its policies. Australia faced widespread trade sanctions after Morrison’s government banned Huawei from its 5G networks in 2018 and called for an independent inquiry into the origins of COVID-19 in 2020. In response, Beijing targeted Australian exports such as barley, coal, wine, beef, and grapes.

These actions are widely regarded by Western governments as examples of China’s broader campaign of economic coercion. Washington has pointed to Australia’s experience as a case study in how Beijing attempts to influence sovereign decisions through economic retaliation.

Although the current Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has made efforts to restore relations with China, including progress on resuming canola exports, Morrison’s testimony highlights the continued unease over China’s global ambitions and tactics. His appearance is expected to underscore that despite diplomatic overtures, the risk of targeted economic pressure from China remains an ongoing threat to smaller and mid-sized democracies.

Rahm Emanuel, known for his sharp rhetoric on China, is also expected to address similar cases involving Japan and the Philippines. His inclusion signals bipartisan U.S. concern over Beijing’s behavior and growing consensus that tougher, coordinated responses are needed.

Morrison’s presence before the U.S. panel reaffirms Australia’s critical role in the Indo-Pacific alliance. His insights are likely to inform future U.S. policy approaches, particularly regarding trade, supply chain diversification, and defense cooperation. Lawmakers are also expected to explore potential frameworks for responding collectively to China’s economic tactics, including sanctions and trade protections.

With tensions between China and the West continuing to simmer, the hearing serves as a timely reminder of the strategic importance of economic resilience. Morrison’s testimony may well shape how the United States and its allies respond to coercive trade practices in the years ahead.