A bill to boost economic competitiveness against China and push Beijing on human rights, entitled the “Ensuring American Global Leadership and Engagement Act,” was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives this week.
The Biden administration is backing efforts to counter China, with officials repeatedly listing competition with Beijing as one of their greatest strategic challenges.
The 470-page bill introduced addresses a range of issues, including increased investment to promote U.S. manufacturing, trade, work with allies and partners, re-engagement in international organizations, and recognition of the treatment of China’s Uyghur Muslim minority as genocide.
“The United States must coordinate closely with allies and partners to compete effectively with (China), including to encourage allies and partners to assume, as appropriate, greater roles in balancing and checking aggressive (Chinese) behavior,” the legislation reads.
A committee aide said Democratic leaders want to work with committee Republicans on the legislation to ensure committee passage by next month. This would then be combined with legislation being considered by other House committees, and eventually combined with a Senate bill.
The House bill includes provisions to increase U.S. support for Taiwan and pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong. It also mandates a review to assess Chinese companies listing on U.S. financial markets, including whether they have contributed to human rights violations.
The measure also calls for cooperation with China in areas of common interest, especially climate change.
