House Lawmakers Pass Bill Aiming To Revive “China Initiative”

House lawmakers passed a bill intended to revive the Trump-era “China Initiative,” stirring debate and concerns from various sectors.

At a Glance

House lawmakers passed a bill that aims to revive the Trump-era China Initiative.
The Protect America’s Innovation and Economic Security From CCP Act is at the center of this legislative effort.
Republicans argue the initiative countered economic espionage by China.
Critics warn it may lead to racial profiling and harm U.S. research.

Efforts to Revive the China Initiative

House Republicans recently passed a number of bills targeting China, with one in particular aimed at revitalizing the China Initiative, a program originally established during Donald Trump’s presidency in November 2018. The initiative was intended to combat intellectual property theft from the Chinese government and protect U.S. infrastructure and technology. The new legislation, named the Protect America’s Innovation and Economic Security From CCP Act, received a vote of 237-180 in the House.

The original China Initiative was dismantled under the Biden administration in 2022 due to concerns it unfairly targeted Chinese Americans and led to racial profiling. Republicans argue the initiative successfully disrupted Chinese economic espionage, citing over 160 indictments and 45 convictions or guilty pleas during its operation.

Congress takes up a series of bills targeting China, from drones to drugs https://t.co/3OWFAxfo8B

— Independent US (@IndyUSA) September 9, 2024

Arguments For and Against

Proponents of the revival argue that efforts by the CCP to infiltrate domestic industries and steal U.S. trade secrets are significant threats that need to be addressed. “Efforts by the CCP to infiltrate our domestic industries and steal American trade secrets cannot go unaddressed,” said GOP Rep. Lance Gooden. Supporters believe that the initiative will give federal law enforcement the tools needed to effectively combat these threats and safeguard American industry.

Meanwhile, opponents worry that the initiative may stir new forms of McCarthyism, targeting individuals based on their ethnic background rather than legitimate security concerns. There are also fears that the initiative could have a chilling effect on U.S. research and drive talented scientists back to China, ultimately harming U.S. security and scientific progress.

Despite the bill’s passage in the House, it faces significant opposition from the White House and is unlikely to pass the Democratic-controlled Senate. Education associations like the American Council on Education (ACE) and other groups have expressed concerns that the legislation could harm researchers and create an atmosphere of suspicion within academic institutions.

As the debate continues, lawmakers and the public remain divided on the best approach to tackling Chinese espionage while ensuring principles of justice and equality. The outcome of this legislative effort could have significant implications for U.S.-China relations and the security of American innovations.