In 2013, China launched its Belt and Road Initiative, a massive global infrastructure development strategy to expand its influence across the globe. Boasting 154 member countries spanning every inhabited continent and investments to date exceeding $1 trillion, the Belt and Road Initiative demonstrates the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) ambitions and commitment to establishing itself as a dominant superpower and shaping the world’s future. Through this program China is actively leveraging investment gifts and loans to gain sway in participating nations.
The CCP’s lack of democratic values and authoritarian goals are incompatible with freedom loving nations and make countering China’s malign influence the defining international challenge of our time. This is why urgent action on trade is so vital. We must take every opportunity to collaborate and strengthen our economic and national security interests with key allies. The world was watching then, as it is now, when President Biden became the first president since President Carter to fail to negotiate a single new trade agreement. President Trump now has an opportunity to reengage with neglected partners such as the United Kingdom, developing African nations, and others to restore American leadership.
While China is a significant market for U.S. products, it has a long history of unfair trading practices. Take, for example, the China Phase One Agreement which was negotiated during President Trump’s first term. Since implementation, China has fallen well below its purchase and regulatory commitments. While it’s encouraging to see steps being taken, such as this weekend’s talks in Geneva, it is clear that a strong hand is needed to realign our trade relationship.
Whether it be unscientific barriers to U.S. agriculture products, threats to American intellectual property, or other cheating, the non-tariff obstacles for American products need to be addressed. This will have a substantial impact on improving economic relations and providing market certainty for hardworking American producers.
Chinese bad actions are not just economic. Earlier this month, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) conducted unannounced miliary drills simulating blockade and attack maneuvers with 76 aircraft and more than 20 ships in the Taiwan Strait. This continues a trend of escalating aggression by the PLA in the region. Support for Taiwan’s independence is a strongly bipartisan cause in Congress, and I recognize the value of standing with this critical ally. Increasing our trade partnership and economic investment with Taiwan is an important way to promote long-term security in the region.
Maintaining support for Taiwan on the international stage is also a critical component of countering Chinese aggression. This week, the House unanimously passed the Taiwan International Solidarity Act. This legislation would ensure the U.S. opposes attempts by the CCP to undermine Taiwan’s independence by distorting policies and procedures of the United Nations or any other international organization without the consent of the Taiwanese people.
We also must be vigilant to confront CCP influence domestically. This week, with my support, the House passed DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes and Chinese Entities of Concern Act. This legislation would prohibit federal funding for colleges or universities maintaining programs tied to the Chinese Communist Party. Safeguarding American students, intellectual property, and taxpayer dollars from China’s malign influence is essential for our national security, and I am glad the House passed this bill on a bipartisan basis.
Additionally, I am proud to cosponsor the FARMLAND Act, which would increase transparency for foreign investments and enhance USDA’s ability to report the threats of foreign acquisition of American farmland. The CCP should not be allowed to exert unlawful influence on our agriculture industry or obtain land near sensitive American military installations.
As China seeks to expand its own influence, the United States cannot sit idly by. Demonstrating international leadership, standing with our allies, countering CCP propaganda, and protecting the economic interests and privacy of Americans are among my top priorities in Congress. I’m grateful President Trump has shown a willingness and ability to stand up for the best interests of our nation and I will continue to work with my colleagues in the House to advance legislation necessary to promote American leadership.