Congress Has the Opportunity to Translate Strong Rhetoric on China into Concrete Measures

Concern over China’s economic statecraft is a bipartisan issue in the U.S. Congress, both domestically and internationally. During my testimony on May 16th in front of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, I raised concerns about this issue.

In the coming weeks, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs will be discussing its 2025 funding bill, followed by the full committee. These bills present several opportunities for Congress to support the U.S. in various areas of competition with China. It is important to understand the significance of these budget allocations and for Congress to take action to lead the U.S. effectively.

One key point is the potential loss of the U.S. vote in the UN General Assembly if funding for the United Nations regular budget is eliminated. China’s increasing contributions to the UN highlight the importance of U.S. engagement to avoid ceding influence to China within the UN system.

Furthermore, supporting the Inter-American Development Bank’s IDB Invest arm with $75M in 2025 can help attract private capital for projects, reducing China’s presence in the region. Failure to invest in these initiatives could allow China to gain more influence in U.S.-led institutions.

Contributing $5M to the Global Infrastructure Facility (GIF) at the World Bank is another opportunity for the U.S. to assert leadership in global infrastructure development. This move can help counter China’s involvement in the GIF and promote U.S. influence in critical infrastructure projects worldwide.

Congress must prioritize bipartisan progress on these issues to prevent China from expanding its global influence. By actively engaging in international institutions and initiatives, the U.S. can maintain its leadership position and counter China’s strategic ambitions.

Daniel F. Runde is a senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). He is also the author of the book “The American Imperative: Reclaiming Global Leadership Through Soft Power” (Bombardier Books, 2023).