During the White House’s daily press briefing, Psaki was specifically asked how the prisoner swap could drive China to catch foreign nationals in the future, as some have charged the Biden administration with satisfying China.
Psaki began by saying the prisoner swap was independent under the Department of Justice, calling it a “law enforcement” and “legal” matter that would be “inappropriate” for her to comment on further. “I would note though, because I think there was a lot wrapped up in their criticism there, that our policy has not changed toward China. We’re not seeking conflict,” she said.
“We are in a relationship of competition, and we’re going to continue to hold the PRC to account for its unfair economic practices, its course of actions around the world and its human rights abuses. And we will continue to do that in partnership with our allies around the world.”
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Psaki’s remarks follow two Republican senators that slammed the release of Huawei’s finance chief, Meng Wanzhou.
On Saturday, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Tx) told Reuters that the release of Wanzhou “raises serious questions about President Biden’s ability and willingness to confront the threat posed by Huawei and the Chinese Communist Party.”
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“We have already seen how the administration’s single-minded focus on climate is causing them to downplay genocide. This is just another example of the Biden Administration’s dangerously soft approach toward Beijing,” he added.
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Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) echoed Rubio’s sentiments, telling the outlet the move was capitulation towards the Asian nation.
“I’m very concerned that this appears, that it could be more appeasement from the Biden Administration, more capitulation,” he said. “Huawei is an aggressive predatory company. It’s backed by the Chinese Communist Party. We have given up leverage today.”
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While Psaki kept defending the Department of Justice’s move, she did confirm that the administration does not know whether the release of Wanzhou will incentivize China to catch other foreign nationals to cut similar deals.
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“We can’t determine how the Chinese or others manage their business over there, it’s a little bit different. But, we have an independent Justice Department that makes independent decisions, law enforcement decisions,” she said. “At the same time, we have made no secret about our push to have the two Michael’s released. That’s certainly positive news and good news.”
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Psaki also reported that during President Biden’s call with Chinese President Xi earlier this month, the White House did make clear the importance of returning the two Canadians detained in China home. There was no negotiation on the call, Psaki added.
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