Bipartisan Bills Target China Amid Rising Tensions

In a significant bipartisan move, U.S. senators are set to introduce bills this week that challenge China over its treatment of minority groups, dissidents, and Taiwan. This comes as President Donald Trump emphasizes trade with Beijing. Democrats and Republicans collaborate to address security and human rights concerns, marking a departure from Capitol's usual partisan lines.

President Trump's focus on economic agreements with China is supported widely across Congress, especially by Republicans, yet it raises alarms among those concerned that the U.S. might be sidelining crucial security issues. The gap between Trump's trade-focused approach and Congress's more hawkish stance on China is evident, according to Asia expert Bonnie Glaser from the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

Jeff Merkley, a lead sponsor of all three bills, stressed the importance of maintaining America's commitment to freedom and human rights regardless of executive leadership. The proposed legislation includes barring Chinese officials complicit in abuses against Uyghurs from entering the U.S., supporting Taiwan against Chinese pressure, and combating international repression. The White House and Chinese foreign ministry have yet to comment on these robust legislative measures, reflecting a growing rift in U.S.-China relations.

(With inputs from agencies.)