WASHINGTON(AP)In a significant move reflecting America’s intensified focus on countering China’s growing influence, the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has approved a bill aimed at removing China’s designation as a “developing nation” within certain international organizations. The legislation, known as the “Ending China’s Developing Nation Status Act,” received unanimous support from the committee members.
Advocates of the bill argue that China’s current developing nation status grants it certain privileges within specific organizations and treaties. By urging the Secretary of State to pursue a revision of China’s status, the bill seeks to level the playing field and ensure fair competition.
The committee’s endorsement of the bill sets the stage for further consideration by the entire Senate. However, no specific timeline has been announced for this process. It is worth noting that a similar measure sailed through the House of Representatives in March, passing with a unanimous vote of 415-0.
The push for a tougher stance on China has emerged as one of the rare issues that garners bipartisan support in the often divided U.S. Congress. Consequently, numerous lawmakers have introduced a multitude of bills to address the challenges posed by China’s communist government and its expanding influence.
In addition to the “Ending China’s Developing Nation Status Act,” the Senate Foreign Relations Committee also greenlit the “Taiwan Protection and National Resilience Act.” This legislation mandates regular reports from government agencies on U.S. strategies to prepare for and respond to a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan.
China, which considers Taiwan as part of its own territory, has been exerting increasing military, political, and economic pressure to assert its sovereignty claims over the self-governed island. Taiwan vehemently opposes these claims and emphasizes the right of its people to determine their own future.
As these legislative measures progress through Congress, they signify a clear and bipartisan determination to address the challenges posed by China’s rise and safeguard American interests and values.
