Steve Yates, a senior fellow and chair of the China Policy Initiative at the America First Policy Institute (AFPI), has praised the introduction of the Countering Communist China Act. In an interview with Federal Newswire, Yates stated that the legislation provides a roadmap for tackling threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to the U.S. economy and supply chains.
"The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) represents the most comprehensive threat to our national security since the fall of the Soviet Union," said Yates. "Countering and containing the malign influences of the CCP must remain our highest priority at home and abroad. The path to American success lies in our own economic prosperity, secure supply chains, energy independence, cultural resilience, and military deterrence to neutralize the threat while avoiding war. I applaud Chairman Hern and the Republican Study Committee for advancing actionable policies that put the American people first and ensure we rise above this challenge."
The Countering Communist China Act (HR 7476) was introduced on Feb. 29 by Republican Study Committee (RSC) Chairman U.S. Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Okla.) and RSC National Security Task Force Chairman U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.), according to a press release from the RSC. "This bill targets the CCP in a comprehensive and vigorous way, putting American safety and economic security first," said Hern in a statement. The bill has garnered support from 43 original co-sponsors, including U.S. Representatives Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.), Lance Gooden (R-Texas), Neal Dunn (R-Fla.), Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.), and French Hill (R-Ark.).
The legislation encompasses measures addressing trade, supply chains, research and development, education, human rights, Taiwan, intellectual property, fentanyl, and energy, as per a copy of the bill. It proposes sanctions on Chinese apps that infringe on Americans' personal data privacy and aims to shield American companies from intellectual property theft. The bill seeks to obstruct the flow of fentanyl precursors from China into Mexico where they are processed into synthetic opioids before being trafficked into the U.S. Furthermore, it empowers the president to impose sanctions on Chinese officials implicated in human rights abuses against individuals in Hong Kong and Taiwan as well as against Uyghur Muslims. The legislation also strives to fortify U.S. critical mineral supply chains.
In a statement shared by the RSC, American Securities Association President and CEO Chris Iacovella expressed his support for the Act. "The Chinese Communist Party has exploited U.S. capital markets and misled American investors to fund its genocide, human rights abuses, and climate destruction for far too long," said Iacovella. He commended Hern and the RSC for introducing the Countering Communist China Act, stating that it enhances America’s economic and national security, safeguards American investors, and curbs China’s misuse of U.S. markets. "Stopping the CCP threat is not a Republican or Democrat issue- it is an American issue, and ASA looks forward to working with all Members of Congress to protect this country," he added.
On Feb. 29, the bill was referred to several committees including the Committee on Foreign Affairs, energy and commerce, financial services, and armed services, as per Congress.Gov.
Before joining AFPI, Yates served as president of Radio Free Asia and professor in the Practice of International Business and Politics at Boise State University, according to AFPI's website. He also held a position as a White House national security advisor. Yates earned a master's degree in China studies from Johns Hopkins University Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies.
