A Republican lawmaker is pushing for stronger measures against China to protect American businesses. U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson from Iowa has reintroduced a bill aimed at addressing trade crimes committed by companies based in China. This move comes as part of a broader effort by several lawmakers to curb China’s influence in the United States.
Senator James Lankford from Oklahoma has also taken action, introducing three new bills this week that target various aspects of Chinese influence. These bills focus on issues like China’s acquisition of American farmland, predatory investment practices, and its ties to U.S. educational institutions. Lankford expressed concern about China’s ongoing activities, stating, "China continues to buy up American farmland, steal our patents and expand their authoritarian world view." He emphasized the need for America to demonstrate its commitment to freedom and economic strength.
One of the key pieces of legislation is the Countering Adversarial and Malicious Partnerships at Universities and Schools Act (CAMPUS). This bill aims to prohibit joint research between U.S. universities and Chinese institutions linked to the military. It would also prevent federal funds from going to schools that partner with such entities.
Another bill, called the Belt & Road Oversight Act, seeks to monitor China’s lending practices and counter economic coercion. This legislation would establish officers at U.S. embassies worldwide to track Chinese investments in critical infrastructure.
The third bill, known as the Security and Oversight of International Landholdings (SOIL) Act, aims to scrutinize foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land. It would ban federal assistance for certain real estate holdings owned by foreign entities and expand disclosure requirements for land purchases.
These legislative efforts come in light of recent discussions between China, Russia, and Iran regarding nuclear issues. The lawmakers are concerned about the implications of these talks and the potential threats posed by China’s growing influence.
As these bills move forward, they reflect a significant shift in how U.S. lawmakers are approaching relations with China, emphasizing the need for stronger protections for American interests.