One bill, co-sponsored by Republican John Cornyn of Texas, would deny entry into the United States of current or former Chinese government officials who were deemed to have engaged in the forced repatriation of members of China’s Uyghur minority. Another bill, co-sponsored by Republican John Curtis of Utah, aims to help Taiwan as the island faces increasing pressure from China. A third bill, co-sponsored by Republican Dan Sullivan of Alaska, seeks to combat “transnational repression” – efforts by any foreign government to reach beyond its own borders to intimidate, harass, or harm dissidents, journalists, or activists.
U.S. senators from both major parties plan to introduce bills targeting China over its treatment of minority groups, dissidents, and Taiwan, emphasizing security and human rights as President Donald Trump focuses on trade with Beijing. The three bills, seen by Reuters ahead of their introduction, have Democratic and Republican sponsors, a departure from the fierce partisanship dividing Washington. Trump’s push to reach economic agreements between the world’s two biggest economies has strong support in Congress, especially from his fellow Republicans. However, some China hawks worry that the U.S. government is de-emphasizing security issues.
Democrat Jeff Merkley of Oregon, a lead sponsor of all three bills, stated that the United States cannot afford to be weak in the face of the People’s Republic of China and its aggression around the world. White House officials have said that Trump remains fully committed to Asia-Pacific security issues as he pursues his trade agenda and a good personal relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
