Meeks introduces legislation to boost American diplomacy to counter China

Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) introduced a legislative package Tuesday to expand American diplomatic efforts abroad in an effort to boost the United States’ ability to compete with China.

Meeks, the chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the Ensuring American Global Leadership and Engagement (EAGLE) Act would push for “the revitalization of American diplomacy, leadership, and investments globally in response to the policy challenges posed by the People’s Republic of China.”

“The EAGLE Act demonstrates the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s commitment to embracing America’s indispensable role and energizing our alliances and partnerships to bolster an international order that has safeguarded American interests and contributed to the maintenance of global peace and prosperity,” Meeks said in a statement.

“The People’s Republic of China increasingly seeks to undermine that rules-based order and challenge America’s place in it. We must leverage America’s true strengths and focus on the real challenges posed by the PRC. America will come out ahead as long as we invest in our people and institutions, abide by our enduring values, and marshal our allies.”

Among other things, the bill provides funding for an expansion of personnel and resources devoted to Asia and touts American foreign policy priorities like reinforcing alliances with Asian partners and holding China “accountable on climate.”

The introduction of the legislation comes as the Senate plans a vote on legislation aimed at combating China’s competitiveness. However, that bipartisan bill is facing roadblocks over last-minute demands for changes from the GOP.

The U.S. has made combating China on an array of issues a priority. Beyond curtailing its actions in the South China Sea and efforts to steal intellectual property, Washington has also called out Beijing for restrictions on autonomous rule in Hong Kong and threats toward Taiwan, as well as human rights violations against Uyghur Muslims in the Xinjiang region.