‘Happy to provide additional basic facts to you or your staff that I learned in elementary school. Ask anytime,’ California Democrat tells Tom Cotton

Tom Cotton is facing widespread criticism after he asked Singaporean TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew if had “ever been a member of the Chinese Communist Party”.

The Arkansas Republican senator pursued the much-ridiculed line of questioning during a Senate hearing on child safety on social media on Wednesday, which was attended by a number of big tech CEOs such as Mr Chew.

“You said today, as you often say, that you live in Singapore – of what nation are you a citizen?” Mr Cotton asked.

“Singapore,” the CEO responded.

“Have you ever been a member of the Chinese Communist Party?” Mr Cotton then asked.

“Senator, I’m Singaporean – no,” Mr Chew responded.

Unable to let the matter go, Mr Cotton asked: “Have you ever been associated or affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party?”

“No, senator, again, I’m Singaporean,” the tech CEO said.

  • JJROKCZ@lemmy.world
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    9 months ago

    I mean, it wouldn’t surprise me at all to learn he wasn’t and isn’t aware that Singapore is a sovereign nation separate from China. Most of my family is unaware of that fact and we’re also from the Midwest

    • Anamnesis@lemmy.world
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      9 months ago

      I’m guessing he’s mixing it up with Hong Kong, where one could plausibly ask if someone was a member of the CCP. Insane to double down on it though.