Washington's latest anti-China bills will backfire

Editor's note: Bradley Blankenship, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a Prague-based American journalist, political analyst, and freelance reporter. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

As the U.S. Congress reconvenes, lawmakers are once again seizing the opportunity to ramp up anti-China legislation, using the guise of national security to justify a series of bills targeting Chinese companies in sectors ranging from biotechnology to electric vehicles and drones. The measures, which have garnered bipartisan support, claim to protect American interests by reducing dependence on China. But beneath the surface, these proposals are nothing more than a continuation of trade protectionism masquerading as concern for national and economic security. If passed, they will not only damage China-U.S. relations but also harm America's own interests, particularly in critical areas like healthcare, agriculture, and technological innovation.

The push to curb China's influence has become a staple of U.S. politics, particularly in an election year when tough rhetoric on Beijing is often used to rally voters. But the reality is that these bills, far from being about protecting American security, are a strategic attempt to stifle competition and maintain U.S. dominance in key industries. By framing China's rise as an existential threat, Washington is essentially manufacturing consent for policies that would otherwise be seen for what they are: counterproductive and short-sighted.

One of the most glaring examples of this misguided approach is the bill aimed at banning Chinese biotech companies from collaborating with any entity that receives U.S. federal funding. These companies, such as BGI, are involved in crucial research areas like genetic sequencing and cancer detection. Disrupting these partnerships will delay the development of life-saving drugs and therapies, raise healthcare costs, and ultimately harm American patients. The claim that this bill is necessary to protect U.S. healthcare data is a thinly veiled attempt to justify economic decoupling from China. In reality, companies like BGI have repeatedly stated that they comply with U.S. data laws and have no access to Americans' personal data without explicit consent.

The implications for the U.S. healthcare system are severe. Cutting off cooperation with Chinese biotech firms won't just slow down innovation, it will also create bottlenecks in clinical trials, delaying the approval of new treatments and making them more expensive. At a time when the global health crisis caused by COVID-19 is still fresh in people's minds, the last thing the U.S. should be doing is erecting barriers to collaboration in medical research.

Similarly, the proposed ban on drones from DJI, a Chinese company that dominates the global market, is another example of misplaced priorities. While the bill purports to address data security concerns, it largely overlooks the fact that users must "opt in" to share their data, a safeguard that renders the bill's rationale questionable at best. Moreover, banning Chinese drones will significantly disrupt industries that rely on these affordable, high-quality products, including agriculture, infrastructure, and emergency services.

This move is not about national security; it's about trying to give U.S. drone manufacturers an edge over their Chinese competitors, even though those U.S. companies are simply unable to match DJI's scale and innovation. Legislating away competition is a poor substitute for investing in domestic innovation, and the long-term result will be higher costs for American businesses and consumers.

The legislation targeting Chinese purchases of U.S. farmland is yet another instance of trade protectionism dressed up as national security. The claim that Chinese investments in U.S. agriculture pose a threat to food security is unfounded. In reality, foreign ownership of American farmland is minimal, and China accounts for an even smaller fraction of that. This bill is more about stoking anti-China sentiment than addressing any genuine threat. Worse still, it has the potential to fuel discrimination and xenophobia, particularly against Asian Americans, as noted by advocacy groups.

The real concern here should be how these moves undermine practical cooperation between the U.S. and China. Both countries benefit from trade and investment in key sectors like biotechnology, agriculture, and technology. The U.S. relies on China for components in its supply chain, just as China relies on U.S. companies for innovation and investment. A healthy China-U.S. relationship is crucial for maintaining global stability and addressing shared challenges like climate change, public health, and economic recovery. These bills, if passed, will only further strain that relationship, isolating the U.S. and damaging its own credibility on the world stage.

Washington's fixation on curbing China's influence through punitive legislation is not only misguided but also harmful to America's own interests. The U.S. prides itself on being a global leader in innovation, yet these bills reflect a deep insecurity about China's growing competitiveness. Instead of fostering cooperation and competition on a level playing field, American lawmakers are opting for protectionism, which will ultimately backfire.

The anti-China rhetoric fueling these legislative efforts is particularly dangerous because it distracts from the real issues facing the U.S. economy. At a time when inequality is rising, healthcare costs are spiraling, and infrastructure is crumbling, lawmakers are choosing to focus on China as a convenient scapegoat rather than addressing the systemic problems at home. The obsession with China as a bogeyman is not only counterproductive but also diverts attention away from the policies that could actually improve the lives of ordinary Americans.

In the long run, the U.S. over-reliance on anti-China legislation will undermine its global standing. Other countries, particularly in Europe and Asia, are not following Washington's lead in pursuing a policy of confrontation with China. Instead, they are seeking to maintain balanced relationships that allow for both competition and cooperation. By isolating itself with these protectionist policies, the U.S. risks alienating its allies and weakening its position in the global economy.

The future of China-U.S. relations should not be dictated by the fearmongering and political posturing we see in Washington today. Instead, it should be built on a foundation of mutual respect, cooperation, and healthy competition. If Congress continues down this path of legislating hostility, it will not only damage relations with China but also harm the very industries and sectors it claims to protect. The U.S. must move beyond this shortsighted approach and focus on real solutions that strengthen its own economy without undermining global cooperation.

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