US House Takes Bold Steps to Counter China's Influence

The US House approved a series of bipartisan bills aimed at countering China's influence. The legislation, which includes bans on Chinese-made drones and restrictions on China-linked biotech companies, reveals a rare political consensus. However, some measures passed along party lines, highlighting disagreements on issues such as national security and discrimination.

The US House approved a sweeping package of bills this week to counter China's influence, reflecting a largely bipartisan push to ensure America comes out ahead in the global competition between superpowers.

The legislation aims to ban Chinese-made drones, limit market access for China-linked biotech companies, strengthen sanctions, and deepen ties with Asian countries. This collective effort signals a rare moment of political consensus in the intention to curb China's power.

However, some measures passed along party lines, with Republicans emphasizing national security concerns and Democrats raising discrimination issues. Advocacy groups like Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote warned about broad anti-China rhetoric. Notably, a measure seeks to revive a Trump-era program targeting Beijing's espionage in U.S. universities. The Chinese Embassy in Washington warned that these actions could damage bilateral relations.

Technology dominated the legislative focus, aiming to restrict Chinese access to American innovations. The House approved bills to block federal funds from flowing to Chinese-linked biotech firms and to ban devices from Chinese drone maker DJI. Another amendment seeks to close a loophole in export controls, limiting Chinese remote access to advanced U.S. technology.

Additional bills targeted spying at educational institutions and land purchases by foreign entities, including a controversial bill that flags sales involving Chinese citizens. Lawmakers also moved to exclude Chinese electric vehicles from clean-energy tax credits and backed measures to enhance sanctions on China, while boosting alliances in Asia to counter Chinese influence.

(With inputs from agencies.)