# China, the Debate, and Why We Must Choose
*2020-10-20*

> Bill Young and John O'Rourke preview the upcoming foreign‑affairs debate on China, contrasting President Trump’s actions with the Biden administration’s record, and urge listeners to pray and vote wisely.

## Opening Prayer

Bill and John begin with a prayer: “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we ask God’s mercy and grace. May He grant us forgiveness of sins, guide us to good works, and lead us to eternal happiness with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.”

## The Debate on China

The hosts explain that the next episode will feature a debate on U.S.–China relations. They outline key issues they expect to discuss: 
• Bilateral agreements on carbon mitigation, contingent on China ending export subsidies for coal and high‑emission technologies and reducing the carbon footprint of Belt and Road projects. 
• Urging tech companies to refuse facilitating repression in China. 
• Scrutinizing Chinese‑listed companies for shady accounting practices. 
• Addressing religious persecution, especially the treatment of Uyghur Muslims and the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong.
They argue that President Trump took concrete steps—completing Phase One of the trade deal, confronting TikTok and other Chinese tech threats, shutting down the Houston consulate’s espionage activities, and urging universities to divest from Chinese holdings—while the Biden administration has been passive.

## Trump vs. Biden on China

Bill lists Trump’s actions:
1. Completed Phase One trade deal.
2. Opposed the proliferation of 5G and other Chinese IT infrastructure.
3. Took action against TikTok.
4. Protected intellectual property and trade secrets.
5. Exposed Chinese influence operations, including Confucius Institutes and state‑run media.
6. Closed the Houston consulate suspected of espionage.
7. Urged universities and federal retirement funds to divest from Chinese stocks.
8. Sanctioned Chinese entities for human‑rights violations.

In contrast, they claim the Biden administration has done little, citing a lack of similar measures and suggesting Biden is “in the pocket” of China. They also allege financial improprieties involving the Biden family, though the hosts acknowledge the details are unclear.

## Why This Matters for Catholics

The hosts stress that the issue is not merely political but moral. They argue that supporting a candidate who tolerates oppression, restricts religious freedom, and undermines the sanctity of life is contrary to Catholic teaching. They call on listeners to pray for wisdom, to seek truth beyond mainstream media narratives, and to vote for the candidate who defends human dignity and religious liberty.

## Closing Prayer and Call to Action

Bill and John close with a prayer: “Lord Jesus, guide us to the truth and protect our nation. May Your will be done. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.” They ask listeners to pray for the Pope, for the upcoming debate, and for the United States, urging them to vote according to conscience.

*Choose the candidate who defends human dignity, religious freedom, and the truth, and pray that God’s will be done in our nation.*