Congress is set to focus on a series of bipartisan bills aimed at countering China’s influence, covering areas like biotech, drones, and farmland ownership. The proposed legislation includes banning partnerships with Chinese biotech companies, restricting Chinese-made drones due to national security concerns, reviving efforts to curb intellectual property theft, and limiting foreign purchases of U.S. farmland by Chinese entities. While the bills have garnered support from both parties, critics warn of potential negative impacts on U.S.-China relations and the risk of racial profiling. The bills still need approval in the Senate.
Quick Read
- Congress focuses on countering China: A series of bipartisan bills target Chinese influence across sectors like biotech, drones, and farmland.
- Biotech restrictions: One bill aims to ban U.S. companies receiving federal funds from partnering with Chinese biotech firms.
- Drone market control: Another bill seeks to limit Chinese-made drones, citing national security concerns, particularly targeting DJI.
- Intellectual property protection: A revived Trump-era program would focus on stopping Chinese efforts to steal U.S. intellectual property and trade secrets.
- Farmland ownership restrictions: Legislation would limit land sales to Chinese citizens and other foreign adversaries, with concerns over food security and national security.
- Critics raise concerns: Advocacy groups warn about potential racial profiling and strain on U.S.-China relations if these measures are enacted.
Congress targets China with new legislation on drones, biotech & EVs
NEWSLOOKS- WASHINGTON (AP) —
As lawmakers return from summer recess, the U.S. House of Representatives is set to focus on a series of bills aimed at curbing China’s influence in key sectors like biotech, drones, and electric vehicles. These measures reflect bipartisan concerns about China’s growing global power and highlight efforts to strengthen U.S. national security and economic independence.
Rep. John Moolenaar, chair of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, emphasized that the legislation is designed to counter China’s threats, both economic and military. “There’s a bipartisan goal to win this competition,” he said.
However, advocacy groups worry the anti-China rhetoric could harm Asian American communities, with concerns about fueling divisiveness. Meanwhile, China’s Embassy in Washington has condemned the proposed laws, labeling them as part of a “new McCarthyism.”
The bills include several key initiatives:
- Biotech restrictions: A bill would ban U.S. collaborations with Chinese biotech firms, citing concerns about protecting American healthcare data and reducing reliance on China for medical supplies. Critics argue the bill could disrupt clinical trials and delay new drugs.
- Banning Chinese drones: Another bill targets drones produced by Chinese giant DJI, citing national security risks. DJI has denied the allegations, stating that users control their data and that it is not tied to the Chinese military.
- Protecting intellectual property: Lawmakers aim to revive a Trump-era program designed to combat Chinese intellectual property theft, though critics warn it could lead to racial profiling and harm collaboration between U.S. and Chinese scientists.
- Farmland restrictions: A bill aimed at limiting foreign purchases of U.S. farmland, particularly by Chinese entities, seeks to safeguard food security. Some critics argue this measure could promote discrimination.
As these measures move forward, they still need to pass the Senate. The outcome could significantly impact U.S.-China relations and various industries.
