In a bold move during the much-anticipated ‘China Week,’ the US House of Representatives has passed a series of bills aimed at curbing Chinese influence across key markets. At the heart of this push is the Biosecure Act, which directly targets Chinese biotech firms, placing restrictions on their involvement in US federal government contracts. This is part of a broader effort to reduce the nation’s dependency on Chinese technology and safeguard national security interests.
As reported by Tech Radar, these moves are part of a larger strategy to counter China’s increasing global influence across sectors like biotechnology, telecommunications, and diplomacy. The legislative steps reflect mounting concern over China’s economic reach and the security risks posed by its growing presence in vital markets.
Restricting Chinese Biotech Firms
One of the main highlights of this legislation is the Biosecure Act, which passed with a strong bipartisan vote of 306-81. This new law will prohibit the US federal government from entering contracts with five major Chinese biotech companies: BGI Group, Complete Genomics, MGI, Wuxi AppTec, and Wuxi Biologics. Despite concerns about its potential impact on the availability of certain medical supplies, existing contracts will remain in effect until January 2032, providing time to avoid a possible drug shortage in US hospitals.
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Some Democratic lawmakers raised concerns about the decision-making process, arguing that the bill lacked a clear and transparent review of the listed companies. Jim McGovern, a Democrat from Massachusetts, voiced skepticism, saying, “If we’re going to name companies, there ought to be a clear, transparent process.” Despite this opposition, the bill passed and now awaits approval from the Senate before it can become law.
Diplomatic Offices and Security ConcernsAnother significant move during ‘China Week’ revolves around the future of Hong Kong’s diplomatic offices in the United States. Lawmakers are set to vote on whether to shut down the three Hong Kong offices currently operating in the US. This decision is tied to concerns that the region no longer operates under a “high degree of autonomy” from mainland China, as required by its Special Administrative Region status.
The bill’s sponsor, Chris Smith, a Republican from New Jersey, argued that the political landscape of Hong Kong has shifted dramatically since the introduction of the National Security Law in 2020 by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). “At one time, the Hong Kong economic and trade offices in the United States represented a city whose prosperity was based on its protection of fundamental human rights and freedom of the Hong Kong people,” Smith stated, adding that “the Hong Kong all of us knew, loved, and respected is gone.”
Countering Chinese Drones and Telecom
A third legislative effort that gained attention this week is the Countering CCP Drones Act, which is aimed at restricting Chinese-manufactured telecommunications and video equipment, with a particular focus on drone technology. The act adds DJI Technologies to the Federal Communications Commission’s national security list, effectively banning new products from being used in US infrastructure projects. This decision follows growing concerns that Chinese-manufactured drones could pose security risks by enabling surveillance activities on US soil.
As the legislative battle continues, these bills highlight a critical shift in US policy toward reducing Chinese economic, political, and technological influence. If passed, these measures are expected to reshape the dynamics of US-China relations significantly.
