U.S. Senators Unveil Bipartisan Push To Confront China On Rights, Taiwan, And Global Repression

U.S. Lawmakers Introduce Bipartisan Bills Targeting China

Washington, D.C. — A bipartisan group of U.S. senators is set to introduce three new bills this week aimed at pressuring China over its human rights record, its treatment of Taiwan, and its global efforts to silence critics. The move comes as President Donald Trump continues to prioritize trade negotiations with Beijing.

The bills, supported by both Democrats and Republicans, highlight rare unity in a divided Congress. Lawmakers say the U.S. must stand firm on values like freedom, democracy, and human rights—even when economic interests are at stake.

“No matter who is in the White House, America’s values must lead our global engagement,” said Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley, who is sponsoring all three bills.

One bill, co-sponsored by Republican Senator John Cornyn of Texas, would deny U.S. entry to Chinese officials involved in the forced repatriation of Uyghur Muslims. Human rights groups accuse China of detaining over a million Uyghurs in camps in Xinjiang, though Beijing denies these allegations.

A second bill, backed by Senator John Curtis of Utah, aims to support Taiwan by helping nations that maintain diplomatic ties with the island, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean. China claims Taiwan as its territory and has increased pressure through military and political means.

The third bill, co-sponsored by Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska, focuses on “transnational repression”—when foreign governments target dissidents, journalists, and activists living abroad.

While Congress is united on taking a tough stance, Trump’s approach has raised concerns. He remains focused on trade, with top U.S. and Chinese officials set to meet in Stockholm next week ahead of an August 12 deadline to avoid steep new tariffs.

Some lawmakers also criticized the decision to allow Nvidia to resume AI chip sales to China. This reversal came shortly after Nvidia’s CEO met with Trump, sparking fears that national security concerns are being sidelined for commercial gains.

“There’s a real gap opening between the president’s trade agenda and Congress’s focus on security and human rights,” said Asia expert Bonnie Glaser.

The White House and the Chinese government have not yet commented on the new legislation.

Highlights:

Three new bills introduced to hold China accountable for human rights violations and aggression.
Targets include the treatment of Uyghurs, pressure on Taiwan, and transnational repression.
Rare bipartisan unity with both Democrats and Republicans backing the measures.

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