U.S. Lawmakers Target China With Bipartisan Bills Amid Trade Talks

U.S. senators from both major parties are preparing to introduce three bipartisan bills this week aimed at China, addressing human rights abuses, dissident protection, and Taiwan support, even as President Donald Trump prioritizes trade negotiations with Beijing. The legislation reflects rare bipartisan unity in Congress, where concerns over China’s policies remain high despite ongoing efforts to stabilize U.S.-China economic relations.

One bill, co-sponsored by Republican John Cornyn, would block entry to the United States for Chinese officials involved in the forced repatriation of Uyghur minorities. Human rights organizations accuse China of systemic abuses against the predominantly Muslim Uyghur population in Xinjiang, claims Beijing denies.

Another bill, backed by Republican John Curtis, seeks to strengthen Taiwan’s international standing by supporting Latin American and Caribbean nations that maintain diplomatic ties with Taipei, countering China’s growing pressure on the island.

The third bill, co-sponsored by Republican Dan Sullivan, targets “transnational repression,” addressing foreign governments’ efforts to intimidate or harm dissidents, journalists, and activists abroad.

Senator Jeff Merkley, a lead Democratic sponsor, emphasized that U.S. foreign policy must prioritize human rights regardless of administration changes. Analysts, including Bonnie Glaser of the German Marshall Fund, note widening gaps between Trump’s trade-focused approach and Congress’s security-driven stance.

The legislative push comes as U.S. and Chinese economic officials meet in Stockholm to negotiate ahead of Trump’s August 12 deadline to avoid higher tariffs. Meanwhile, concerns mount over the administration’s recent decision to allow Nvidia to resume sales of advanced AI chips to China, reversing prior restrictions aimed at safeguarding U.S. technology.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry has yet to respond to the proposed bills.