US House advances China bills amid rising tensions

[WORLD] The U.S. House of Representatives escalated its legislative campaign against China on Monday, advancing a series of bipartisan bills aimed at curbing industrial espionage, tightening export controls, addressing national security threats, and confronting alleged human rights violations.

Simultaneously, lawmakers took steps to strengthen U.S. relations with Taiwan and bolster protections for Falun Gong practitioners.

In a rare display of bipartisan unity on foreign policy, all the proposed measures were approved by voice vote. While similar bills had previously stalled in the Senate during the last Congress, they must now clear that chamber before reaching the president's desk for enactment.

These moves are part of a broader U.S. strategy of intensifying oversight of Chinese activities, particularly in critical sectors such as energy and technology. Among the key proposals is the "Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act," designed to reduce U.S. reliance on Chinese-made batteries, citing concerns over supply chain integrity and national security vulnerabilities.

Lawmakers also zeroed in on cybersecurity, with the "Strengthening Cyber Resilience Against State-Sponsored Threats Act" aiming to evaluate and counter threats to critical infrastructure. The measure underscores growing bipartisan concern over the potential for state-backed cyberattacks, especially those originating from China.

Efforts to deepen ties with Taiwan reflect Washington’s broader strategy of reinforcing alliances across the Asia-Pacific, amid concerns over Beijing’s expanding military and economic footprint. The legislative backing signals a unified stance in Congress on countering China's regional ambitions.

Human rights also remain a focal point, with several bills addressing reported abuses, particularly those targeting Falun Gong adherents. These measures aim to hold Chinese officials accountable and spotlight ongoing international concerns regarding China’s human rights record.

The legislative surge comes as Congress debates whether to revoke China’s permanent normal trade relations status—a move that could reshape economic ties. The proposal highlights long-standing grievances over intellectual property violations and perceived trade imbalances.