U.S. Biopharmaceutical Industry at Risk Due to Chinese Supply Chain Control

Concerns About Chinese Influence on U.S. National Security

At a recent event with Breitbart News, Ambassador Jeffrey Gerrish raised alarms about the risks communist countries, particularly China, pose to U.S. national security. He pointed out that the biopharmaceutical industry in the U.S. is particularly vulnerable to manipulation through China’s control over supply chains.

Gerrish, who previously held the position of deputy U.S. trade representative under President Trump during the pandemic, played a key role in negotiating the U.S.-China economic agreement.

Breitbart News’ Washington bureau chief, Matthew Boyle, highlighted that Gerrish’s experience as a top negotiator gives him a comprehensive understanding of the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) tactics during the pandemic. Gerrish reflected that one significant takeaway from that time was how China “weaponized its advantages”—especially regarding personal protective equipment.

He noted, “That’s what China is doing. They’re using their supply chain as leverage.” He also drew parallels to recent issues involving rare earth elements and critical minerals. The earlier lack of personal protective equipment during the crisis underscored the challenges the U.S. faced in obtaining essential medical supplies. Gerrish mentioned he had to engage in negotiations with his counterparts to address these issues.

According to Gerrish, when the two nations had recently inked the first phase of a trade deal, it provided a pathway to negotiate the unblocking of supply chains for these vital products.

While he regarded the negotiations with China as a success, he admitted it was a challenging process given the acumen of the Chinese negotiators.

As China strengthens its position in the biopharmaceutical field, Gerrish warned that this experience serves as a crucial lesson for the U.S. He stated, “When you consider their ascent in the biopharmaceutical space and their goal of becoming a leading global player, it poses a genuine risk for us in the future.”

In another discussion at the same event, Raul López, director of RX Border Defense, echoed similar concerns. He argued that China’s dominance over U.S. drug supplies is part of its strategy for geopolitical control, asserting, “That’s their philosophy—once again, conquer the world.”

López, who left communist Cuba as a child, remarked that countries like China aim to exert influence by fostering dependence. He warned, “They approach us from every angle. It’s like a Trojan horse. They offer cheap drugs and other goods, but ultimately, they unleash chaos like a dragon, burning everything in their path.”