Nebraska Panhandle News

This week, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts introduced the THINK TWICE Act of 2025, aimed at countering arms sales by China. The act, officially named the Tracking Hostile Industry Networks and Kit while Thwarting Weapons Imports from Chinese Entities Act, seeks to assess Chinese arms sales and develop strategies to discourage countries from purchasing Chinese defense equipment. Senator Michael Bennet co-sponsored the legislation.

Senator Ricketts highlighted China's role as a major weapons supplier in regions like Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. "Communist China has emerged as a major weapons supplier," said Ricketts. He pointed out that the recent Pakistan-India clash involved significant use of Chinese-made weapons. "This should be a major wake-up call that we must do more to combat these arms sales."

Senator Bennet emphasized the importance of reasserting the United States' position as a security partner. “As China wields arms sales to reshape the international system in Beijing’s image, the United States must reassert its role as a security partner of choice,” said Bennet.

The THINK TWICE Act responds to China's status as the fourth largest arms exporter globally, following the U.S., Russia, and France. Chinese drones, missiles, and fighter jets have been exported to 44 countries worldwide.