U.S. House Targets Chinese Influence with New Legislative Package

As U.S. lawmakers return from their summer recess, the House of Representatives is set to tackle a series of measures aimed at curbing China's influence and power. The legislative package, which has garnered bipartisan support, focuses on key areas such as biotech companies, drones, and electric vehicles.

Rep. John Moolenaar, chair of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, emphasized the bipartisan nature of these efforts, stating that the legislation "will take meaningful steps to counter the military, economic and ideological threat of the Chinese Communist Party." This approach reflects a growing consensus in Washington that China represents the United States' primary geopolitical rival.

The proposed bills cover a wide range of issues:

• Banning certain Chinese biotech companies from federal contracts
• Restricting Chinese-made drones and electric vehicles
• Protecting U.S. intellectual property
• Limiting foreign farmland purchases

These measures come as part of a broader trend in U.S.-China relations. Since 2017, when the U.S. National Security Strategy first identified China as a strategic competitor, there has been an increasing focus on countering Beijing's influence. This shift has led to various legislative actions, including the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act passed in 2021.

One of the key bills targets biotech companies with Chinese ties, aiming to ban them from working with federal fund recipients. Rep. Brad Wenstrup, who sponsored the bill, argued that it is "the first step" in protecting Americans' genetic data and reducing reliance on China for the medical supply chain.

Another significant proposal focuses on drones made by DJI, a Chinese company that dominates the global market. Rep. Elise Stefanik, who introduced the bill, stated that it would protect Americans' data and critical infrastructure from potential security risks.

The legislation also seeks to revive a Trump-era program aimed at countering Chinese efforts to steal intellectual property. However, this proposal has faced criticism, with some lawmakers arguing that it could lead to racial profiling and hinder scientific cooperation between the two countries.

"If passed, the bills will cause serious interference to China-U.S. relations and mutually beneficial cooperation, and will inevitably damage the U.S.'s own interests, image and credibility."

While these measures have garnered support from both Republicans and Democrats, concerns have been raised about their potential impact. Christine Chen, executive director of Asian & Pacific Islander American Vote, warned against rhetoric that could harm Asian Americans or create "an atmosphere of guilt by association."

As the House moves forward with these bills, it's important to note that they still need to clear the Senate before becoming law. The outcome of this legislative package could have significant implications for U.S.-China relations, which have been increasingly strained since China surpassed the U.S. as the world's largest economy by purchasing power parity in 2014.

The debate surrounding these measures reflects the complex nature of U.S.-China relations, which have evolved significantly since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1979. As both nations navigate this new era of strategic competition, the actions taken by Congress will play a crucial role in shaping the future of this pivotal relationship.