U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) speaks alongside National Foreign Trade Council President Demetrios Marantis at a Washington Council of International
Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington has proposed the creation of a "Technology NATO" as an alternative to traditional tariffs in countering China's growing technological influence. During a Senate Finance Committee hearing, Cantwell emphasized the need for a collaborative international approach to technology policy, highlighting that tariffs alone are insufficient to address the complexities of global tech competition. She suggested that such an alliance could focus on setting standards, protecting intellectual property, and ensuring fair competition in technology sectors. This initiative comes in response to concerns about China's practices in technology transfer, subsidies, and market access, which have been points of contention in U.S.-China trade relations. Cantwell's proposal aims to foster a united front among democratic nations to safeguard technological advancements and maintain a competitive edge in the global market.